Expert: Know the warning signs of domestic violence
MIAMI - On a quiet street in Coral Springs, a woman is shot to death in her home. Police say her boyfriend is under arrest, accused of killing her.
This comes during "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," as experts are seeing high numbers of cases.
"I think that one of the most concerning things is not just the increase of the level of domestic violence but the level increase as it relates to high lethality cases or cases where we anticipate, based on a set of circumstances, that they're likely to result in a death if we don't intervene soon," said Dr. Linda Parker, President and CEO of Women in Distress.
Parker notes domestic violence cases spiked during COVID-19 and still remain high.
"We saw a 22% increase over that time and working with our hospital partners they saw the same thing and we haven't really gone down from those numbers," Dr. Parker said.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men are subjected to some form of domestic violence. The FDLE reports in 2020 Broward saw 5,589 cases. In Miami-Dade, that number was 7,570.
"The shelter here in Broward is full a good deal of the time and we've actually taken some rooms and opened up more beds to allow ourselves about 8 more beds so we can make up for the demand," she said.
Parker says some warning signs to look for include the abuser becoming more possessive, controlling the victim's finances, keeping them away from family and friends and controlling the children.
As we approach the holidays, Parker expects the number of cases to rise.
"This is generally the time when we start to see the ramp-up of domestic violence. Survivors needing assistance more, reaching out to us more saying the violence of frustration is escalating in the home and they can feel there will be a tipping point and they need to leave," Dr. Parker said.
Parker stresses help and resources available to put an end to the violence. You can get it started by calling 2-1-1 in Miami-Dade and Broward, or you can contact "Women in Distress" at 954-761-1133.
For more information, click here.