Evidence of the recession's effect on family violence is piling up. Here's a rundown.
The NY Times reports that, in New York's recession-year court backlog, "Cases involving charges like assault by family members were up 18 percent statewide." Philadelphia in 2009 saw a 67% increase in domestic homicides:
The increase in domestic violence in Philadelphia is mirrored nationally, and experts say it is linked, in part, to the recession. In fact, data indicate that domestic violence had been falling in the 15 years before the recession took hold last year.Similar news has come in from Finland and the UK to Danville, VA, Madison, WI and Salt Lake City. Christina Davidson at the Atlantic has a brutal report on accumulating anecdotal evidence, much of it from service providers, that family violence is increasing - even as the economic squeeze makes it harder for women to take the plunge and leave their abusers.
Source: "Local domestic violence shelters seek assistance amid tough times," San Diego News Network.
Skeptically, some of this could reflect the entrepreneurial spirit among agencies that respond to domestic violence during an economic crisis that has been hard on all public service budgets. But it is corroborated by what violence, court and crime statistics I can find so far. And I haven't passed over any reports of decreased family violence.
Some sociologists see a silver lining in the recession for families, saying, "many couples appear to be developing a new appreciation for the economic and social support that marriage can provide in tough times." But that is based on a misinterpreted dip in divorces. (Maybe the recession will end up stalling some divorce filings. But that kind of drop in the divorce rate we don't need.)
There was also an earlier wave of this reporting last spring. From Associated Press last April:
Across the country, these and other signs point to another troubling effect of the recession: The American home is becoming more violent, and the ailing economy could be at least partially to blame.
Three out of four domestic violence shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy. The survey data directly connects a major reason for the increase in domestic violence to the downturn in the economy.
Cross-posted from the Family Inequality blog.
"It's important to consider that people often do not show their true colors during the initial stages of dating in relationships and even living together before marriage can be somewhat deceptive."
I think this is only half true. Yes, people do change, but I also believe in the 'Indicators of an Abuser' (you know, the tool that Marala Scott speaks on). A girl in high school might think her boyfriend is just being sweet and loving when he acts jealous of the people she talks to, or calls her every twenty minutes while she's at work, or chastises her after social functions for not spending enough time with him - but, in reality, these are all 'Indicators.'
I'm not saying we can predict with 100% accuracy who is going to wind up hitting their spouses, but I think Marala Scott is right when she says we should talk openly about the warning signs.
As for a spike in domestic violence during financially difficult times, well...that just emphasizes the need for prevention, in my mind.
Ultimately, though, Eva's right: "There are so many obstacles in the path of a victim becoming a survivor...."
While the economic downturn may be blamed for an increase in physical violence I don't believe it's the only cause of violence in the household. It could be that other forms of abuse existed in the home and the economic pressures may be the straw that broke the camels back.
It's important to consider that people often do not show their true colors during the initial stages of dating in relationships and even living together before marriage can be somewhat deceptive. A person can marry someone who comes across as being absolutely wonderful only to find a personality change once the ink is dry on the marriage certificate. .
People I know who have worked in the domestic violence field have told me that the most dangerous time for victims are when they tries to leave their spouses. There is a reason why many domestic violence shelters do not openly publish their addresses and have security systems installed. There are also people who have learned that restraining orders are hard to enforce. Neither is it unusual for an abused spouse to be reluctant to press charges. This can be particularly difficult if the abusive spouse is in a position of respect such as a minister or police officer.
We see it in all aspects of any given community, including the schools where children in abusive homes often lash out at others and then schools wonder why there is an increase in bullying....
And if we don't start addressing this issue on every level...offender...victim...child victims...disconnected justice systems...failed advocacy orgs...etc..etc. we are really going to see the domino effect in generations to come ...DV is a crime whose damage can be felt for generations...
Plus
Victims don't leave abusive situations mainly due to financial concerns...
If they press charges against their abuser who is the biological parent to the children, and they end up in prison...child support goes on the back burner (inmates don't earn that weekly check)
There are so many obstacles in the path of a victim becoming a survivor....