TRAVERSE CITY--Nationally, one in four women and one in ten men report experiencing domestic violence at some point in their lives according to the national coalition against domestic violence. In Michigan, state police recorded more than 91,000 domestic violence offenses in 2022. alone.
Women’s Resource Center executive director Juliette Schultz said while education has come a long way there are still myths that persist surrounding domestic violence .
“The biggest misunderstanding about domestic violence is that it’s easy to leave, or that somehow the person who is living in with the abuser is at fault,” said Schultz. “It’s hard for friends and family to understand that this is actually all about power and control, and that it’s very difficult for a person who’s living in a violent home to extricate themselves from that home, especially when there may be kids involved.”
WRC serves more than 500 people each year and answers around 5,000 calls on its 24-hour helpline. That includes shelter for more than 100 women and children escaping violent homes.
Shultz said without the help, the impact could be grave.
“One of the challenges that a survivor faces when they attempt to leave is they can be killed. That’s the most lethal time when a survivor decides to leave. And we know that it takes up to seven times to successfully leave an abusive relationship.”
Shultz said there are a few warning signs friends and family can look out for if they suspect a loved one could be experiencing domestic violence.
“Are they being isolated from their friends and family? Are they not allowed to spend time with you? When they do spend time with you is their partner constantly texting or calling them to check in on them? Are they able to have their own schedule? Do they have access to a bank account?”
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing domestic violence Shultz recommends making a safety plan.
“With regards to a safety plan, it’s where can they go? What’s a safe place they could go to? Do they have friends and family? Do they have a support network in place? Would they want to leave the state for safety reasons?”
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence click here to be connected to the Women’s Resource Center.