New York, NY – Over the last five years, I have acted as a specialist for groups tackling topics including PTSD, addiction recovery, emotional awareness, mental health, grief support and women’s empowerment. After a recent wellness presentation, however, I think it’s important to talk about another subject that has also grown during the pandemic.
The Coronavirus outbreak has contributed to a rise in domestic violence. It is clear that Covid has taken a heavy toll on everyone since the shutdown began. Our society has seen the rise of heated political debates, racial tensions, professional challenges and personal disputes. For some, the rise of domestic violence has become all too painful.
According to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence [NCADV] and the Social Solutions website, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. will experience rape, stalking and physical violence from an intimate partner. Support shows that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner and that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
It is important to note that not all abuse is physical. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI], “Psychological aggression by an intimate partner was reported by 48.4% of women and 48.8% of men. Consequently, emotional abuse appears to be most common.”
After completing a ten-part corporate wellness series, I concluded my wellness program with an “Ask it” basket. This allowed colleagues to ask questions on a word cloud under the protection of anonymity. Hence, the reason for this article.
A large volume of questions circled around this topic. Thus, it is my intention to list and encourage the proper resources for those who find themselves in this situation. Listed below are some helpful resources, but please remember that in the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1 and always seek the appropriate level of care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse of any kind, please reach out for help. And remember, no one has the right to be abusive. But more importantly, no one deserves to be abused. Especially you!
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline [1-800-799-7233]
- National Dating Abuse Helpline [1-866-331-9474; 1-800-422-4453]
- National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp [1-800-422-4453]
- National Sexual Assault Hotline [1-800-656-4673]
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [1-800-273-8255]
- National Center for Victims of Crime [1-866-689-4357]
- National Human Trafficking Resource Center/Polaris Project [1-888-373-7888]
Ben Kimmel is a proud member of the IUOE Local 94, as well as an Author, Writer on thewrittenaddiction.com, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Wellbeing and DEI Content Provider, Certified Addiction and Recovery Coach, Certified Professional Life Coach, and Peer & Wellness Advocate. Ben can be reached at bennyk1972@gmail.com
1 thought on “Trouble at Work, Domestic Violence at Home?”
Thank you, Ben. This article underscores the need, and exposing the secretive behaviors of psychological/emotional abuse. Identifying the many resources for help magnifies the need for awareness.