National statistics show that 22% of women and 14% of men involved in heterosexual and same-sex relationships report incidents of domestic violence during their lifetime.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States, so we contacted the Executive Director of InCourage, Sarah Meier.
She tells Seehafer News “Domestic violence is something that happens in someone’s home so even close friends and family members don’t know about it. So, it’s really important to watch for signs of domestic violence and just to realize that it happens across all races, all socioeconomic status.”
Meier explains it might look a little different and victims may ask for help in different ways, but it can happen to anybody.
Sarah Meier
As for the signs of domestic abuse, Meier says, “I think if a victim talks about their partner having a bad temper that’s something to ask about what that might look like. Another thing to watch for is if one partner humiliates the other partner in front of other people because if they do that in front of other people imagine what it’s like when they’re by themselves.”
Meier was asked about the frequency of domestic violence happening in our lakeshore area, and she said simply, “It’s hard to say how often it happens in Manitowoc County. Due to the passing of Marsy’s Law we don’t get notified of all the domestic violence arrests in the county anymore like we used to. And that’s only arrestable domestic violence. In 2021 we have served more people in non-residential services than in the previous couple of years, but a little bit less people in shelter.”
Non-residential services can include Individual support counseling, safety planning, support groups, and legal advocacy which assists people with obtaining restraining orders.
Meier said their 24-hour crisis hotline at InCourage is staffed around the clock and can be reached by calling 920-684-5770.
