Domestic violence cases up during recession

Posted: 6:19 PM Jun 17, 2009
Last Updated: 6:33 PM Jun 17, 2009
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com

It's a sad by-product of the slumping economy.

Domestic violence is on the rise across the nation and in Michiana.

In St. Joseph County, the number of domestic violence cases spiked last year when the recession hit.

The St. Joseph County Special Victims Unit recorded roughly one hundred more domestic violence battery cases in 2008 compared to 2009 from January to May.

At the YWCA in South Bend they are slightly over capacity right now but won't turn away women and children in need.

Experts say although the economy doesn't create violence it can be a trigger during an existing cycle.

“For men that are prone to batter, it’s a convenient excuse… that they would have never beaten her up, but for the fact that they lost their job,” explains Y.W.C.A. Executive Director Linda Baechle.

Experts also say victims may have fewer resources to leave an abusive situation when there's a slow down in the economy. They may not have a job or the money to find another place to live.

Recently the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County started weekly informational sessions during the noon lunch hour. Anyone can stop by and ask questions about the center and domestic violence.

The meetings are every Monday from noon to one. The center is at 711 Colfax Avenue in South Bend.

For more information call (574) 234-6900.