While domestic violence is a constant fear for some, there are certain times of year when the incidents of such violence tend to increase.
Yesterday’s Super Bowl is often the harbinger of the busiest day of the year for domestic violence workers. Going into yesterday’s annual NFL championship game, area workers feared another day of escalated incidents.
“Last year, we worked a full 24-hour day. We got one call after the other,” said Mary Owens, the Yadkin Valley Economic Development District Inc.‘s (YVEDDI) community services director in charge of domestic violence.
Yadkin County Coordinator and Supervisor Tonia Goad said that the extra alcohol consumed on Super Bowl Sunday helps to escalate the violence on that day.
“A lot of people feel like they need to show themselves. If you feel you are in danger from your abuser at anytime, you can call 911 or your local police department.”
She said one of the problems those who are being abused face is being too embarrassed to tell anyone.
“Many people are afraid to tell their family members or friends. They might think that someone at church may judge them. We have seen everyone from school teachers to preachers who have been abused. It doesn’t matter what race you are or if you are rich or poor. Domestic violence happens in every walk of life. The first step of getting help is to tell someone,” Owens said.
And, she said people need to realize there are many victims. Between Oct. 1, 2008 and Jan. 27, Surry County Communications 911 Call Center received 404 domestic violence calls that were dispatched to the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
Domestic violence doesn’t just mean getting a black eye, she said. Verbal and mental abuse is also very real, Owens said.
“I had one woman tell me that she wished he would just give her a black eye, because that would heal. She said what he is doing to her will stay with her forever,” Goad said.
Owens said those who fear they may be in danger at the hands of an abuser, or have been the victim of abuse, should call the police immediately.
n If you are in danger when the police come, they can protect you.
n They can help you and your children leave your home safely.
n They can arrest your abuser when they have enough evidence that you have been abused.
n They car arrest your abuser if a Protection Order has been violated.
n When the police come, tell them everything the abuser did that made you call.
n If you have been hit, tell the police where. Tell them how many times it happened. Show them any marks left on your body. Marks may take time to show up. If you see a mark after the police leave, call the police to take pictures of the marks. They may be used in court.
n If your abuser has broken any property, show the police.
n The police can give you information on domestic violence programs and shelters.
n The police must make a report saying what happened to you. Police reports can be used in court if your abuser is charged with a crime.
n Get the officers’ names, badge numbers and the report number in case you need a copy of the report.
n A police report can be used to help you get a protective order.
Owens said getting support from family, friends and co-workers is important for those being abused. She also said it is important for victims to find a safe place.
“It is not fair. You should not have to leave your home because of what your abuser has done. But sometimes it is the only way you will be safe. There are shelters that can help you move to a different city or state,” Owens explained.
Owens said it is also important for victims to get medical help.
“If you have been hurt, go to the hospital or your doctor. Domestic violence advocates may be called to the hospital. They are there to give you support," Owens said.
For more information or for help call Surry County Domestic Violence at 356-2014, the Sheriff’s Office at 401-8900, or a 24-hour crisis line that is available at 679-2500.
Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.
Post a Comment
