By Leanna Coy, FNP
Domestic violence is a public health issue that touches many in Tillamook County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States will experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetime.
Domestic violence comes in many forms. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we want to recognize the problems our friends, family members, and neighbors endure. No one should feel like they are alone and without help, and this year’s them “Everyone Knows Someone” tells the story.
The State of Oregon estimates that more than one-third of Oregonians will experience domestic violence at some point during their lifetime. Women are often the targets of this violence. In Oregon, approximately one in every 10 women between the ages of 20 and 55 reports experiencing physical or sexual assault by their most recent intimate partner. These numbers are likely low, as domestic violence is often unreported.
Many cases of violence lead to serious harm and death. In Oregon:
- 532 deaths from domestic violence incidents occurred between 2009 and 2019.
- Approximately 18 people are killed by their intimate partners every year.
- In 2019, about half of the counties statewide had at least one domestic abuse-related death.
- About one in three abusers in Oregon commits suicide.
In Tillamook County, 62 case of domestic violence were reported in 2021. Estimates suggest that an additional 29 incidents went unreported.
The pandemic worsened the issue of domestic violence nationally. With the lockdown, the incidence of domestic violence increased 8.1%. On a single day in 2020, Oregon domestic violence hotlines received over 300 calls. The increase in calls is associated with multiple factors, including:
- Increased unemployment
- Stress related to childcare and homeschooling
- An increase in alcohol and substance abuse
The lockdowns during the pandemic also led to the isolation of those suffering from abuse. Because of this, family, friends, and neighbors were not able to easily identify signs of a problem and were not able to intervene or report concerns.
The effects of domestic violence are felt by everyone in the family, with children often bearing witness. One in three women reports a child witnessing them being physically assaulted. Children exposed to violence in the home begin to develop issues of their own.
- Psychologically, they have more depression and anxiety. They can have low self-esteem, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- They are more at risk for physical injury, poor health, and suicide attempts.
- Risk-taking behaviors become more common. Drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, aggression, and dating violence are associated with a history of exposure to domestic violence.
There are challenges to providing help for those looking to find safety. Financial assistance to help someone experiencing domestic violence is limited. The Federal Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors grant is limited to $3,200 for 90 days. Resources, such as affordable housing, are more difficult to acquire in rural areas.
Locally, Tides of Change provides services for Tillamook County. This week, they are hosting their 15th annual Soup Bowl in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Saturday October 25th. This is an in-person event at the Pacific Restaurant in downtown Tillamook. Purchasing tickets for this event will grant you access to gourmet soups created by local chefs. Money from the ticket sales will go toward funding resources and programs for those impacted by domestic violence. You can purchase tickets at the Tides of Change website.
Help those in our community who may need help. Domestic violence is more prevalent than we like to think about, but it is likely affecting someone you know. If you have a concern that someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, ask them if they need help.
Resources:
Tides of Change 800-992-1679
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233