Economy Sinks: Abuse on the Rise

IRVINE, Calif. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Many couples argue over money, but tight times and an abusive partner could be a deadly mix. Experts say the struggling economy may be triggering an increase in domestic violence, and as finances are stretched during the holidays, the problem may only get worse

The ringing phones at this domestic violence hotline are signs of courage. On the other end are frightened women desperate for help.

"When we finally left, I was in fear for my life," Buffy Zwirner told Ivanhoe. "I was physically in fear for my life."

For six years, Zwirner was physically and emotionally abused. When her abuser lost his job, the violence got worse.

"That really marked the beginning of the end because then it began to spiral out of control," Zwirner recalled. "Everything became my fault. 'You're lazy. You're stupid. You're ugly. No one would ever want to be with you.'"

Experts say as the economy goes bad, domestic violence goes up. Calls for help have increased 21 percent nationally.

"The loss of a job adds a lot of stress," Gina Villarraga, associate director of Human Options in Irvine, Calif., explained. "Loss of money, not being able to pay your bills, adds a lot of stress."

After Karen's partner lost his job, he threatened to kill her. She fled to the Human Options shelter.

"This man could take my life in a second and my son would be looking over the grave," Karen said

Signs of abuse can start small and be subtle. Is he overly jealous? Has an unpredictable temper? Does he put you down? Limit access to friends, money, and the car? Have you been kicked or shoved?

"They saved my life," Zwirner said. "They literally saved my life."

Many woman feel trapped -- unable to flee their abusers with no financial resources of their own. Zwirner credits Human Options for turning her from a dependant stay-at-home mom into a college-educated paralegal. It started with one phone call.

Human Options provides shelter, counseling, job development and legal aid. Ninety percent of women are violence-free one year or more after leaving the program. To get help in your community call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

If you would like more information, please contact:

Human Options
(949) 737-5242
http://www.humanoptions.org