Va. – It’s not just bruises and broken bones. Sometimes the abuse you can’t see can cause even more lasting damage.
October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Experts say domestic violence is an epidemic nationwide and in Southwest Virginia.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, across the country, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. In Virginia in 2020, more than 30% of all violent crimes were committed by an intimate partner. Those most at risk are women between the ages of 18-24.
“I wish we could talk about it every day because it truly is an epidemic,” said Stacey Sheppard, the director of housing and human services at the local nonprofit, Total Action for Progress (TAP). “It doesn’t discriminate. It could be me. It could be you. It could be your loved one. It could be your neighbor.”
Sheppard said abuse isn’t always physical.
“When you’re talking about emotional abuse and financial abuse, those scars will take much longer to heal than a bruise,” said Sheppard.
Since the pandemic, TAP has seen a huge uptick in families seeking services and calling its 24/7 domestic violence hotline: 540-580-0775.
Pre-pandemic, TAP received 2-3 calls a day to its hotline. Now, it’s 8-12 calls a day.
Sheppard said those numbers are still underreported.
“We only hear about a small fraction of what’s happening in our community,” said Sheppard. “There’s also the fear for survivors to come forward because they know that there will be retaliation. Or they’re fearful of well, ‘What’s next? What’re my next steps?’”
TAP offers support groups, legal services, and advocates. Plus, they help survivors create a safety plan and relocate them if and when they’re finally ready to leave.
But a lack of shelter beds, funding, and staff members means some calls for help go unanswered.
“Violence in our community is an epidemic,” said Sheppard. “We have to talk more about it and we have to talk more about the people that are doing the work.”
10 News will be working for you all month to highlight the issue of domestic violence and how there is hope for survivors.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
To find more resources near you, click here.