Domestic violence up as economy wobbles - Tough times put extra strain on abusive relationship

[Bozita]

The recession is over for the Wall Streeters. Not so much for the Main Streeters.

Not at all surprised here.


Last Updated: October 04. 2010 1:00AM
Domestic violence up as economy wobbles
Tough times put extra strain on abusive relationships, experts say
Maureen Feighan / The Detroit News


Domestic violence is on the rise in Metro Detroit, and some local law enforcement officials and shelter leaders say the economy may be pushing already toxic relationships over the edge.

Since mid-August, at least two Metro Detroit women have been killed and three others severely injured by their spouses, three of whom then committed suicide. Operators at two local women's shelters, meanwhile, say they've seen huge increases in calls to their crisis lines, and they're hearing about more frequent and severe abuse as the region continues to struggle with double-digit unemployment, layoffs and a high foreclosure rate.

The economy won't cause someone to become violent, but it can exacerbate an already volatile situation, increasing abuse, experts say. It can also make it more difficult for victims to have the resources to leave.

"We're living in a very stressful world in a very stressful time, and people turn to what they know to cope with stress," said Debi Cain, executive director of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, which provides assistance to the state's 45 domestic violence programs. "And for perpetrators of violence, one of their ways to cope with stress is with violence."

In three of the five most recent cases, the women who were killed or seriously injured also intended to leave their husbands. Experts say 75 percent of domestic violence homicides or injuries occur when the victim has decided to end the relationship.

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From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101004/METRO/10040326/1409/Domestic-violence-up-as-economy-wobbles#ixzz11PjblWiO