Domestic violence: the pandemic within the pandemic

October means Domestic Violence Awareness Month is here. This designated month is observed annually in America to spread awareness about domestic violence in order to help people connect with resources. But this year, with so many serious public health issues afflicting the nation, it would be easy to overlook its significance.

October 1987 marks the inception of the first domestic violence national toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And even today, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually.

Domestic violence often comes second to other problems, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, data show almost twice as many women were murdered by their current or ex-partner between 2001 and 2012 than American lives were lost in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq during the same period. Statistics like these clearly show the magnitude of the problem compared to the public attention the topic receives.

With attention comes education. Many people are surprised to learn that the pandemic has made domestic violence more common and often more severe. Worldwide, surveys have shown domestic abuse rates spiking since January 2020, jumping markedly compared to the same period in 2019. In cities across the U.S., police departments have reported increases in domestic violence incidents. 

This pandemic within the COVID-19 pandemic is made worse by another public health emergency – addiction. While 2020 brought the highest death toll the country has ever seen, because of the coronavirus, drug overdose rates played a major part as well. More than 93,000 people died by overdose last year, also a record-breaking tragedy. More people died last year from addiction than during the height of the opioid epidemic, which many experts believe is actually happening now.

Is it simply a coincidence that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the rates of both domestic violence and substance abuse? No, it isn't.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, as many as 60 percent of domestic violence crimes are committed by someone who struggles with substance use disorder.  Another report shows that 42 percent of victims used alcohol or drugs the day they were assaulted. Among those fatally attacked, toxicology screening found that around one-third of victims had alcohol in their system and around one-quarter had used drugs.

Marcel Gemme of addicted.org, a former intake specialist for substance abuse treatment facilities, said there is a strong link between addiction and domestic violence. "Individuals become intoxicated and or under the influence of drugs, and violent and hostile emotions come to the surface. Alcohol and other drugs act on brain mechanisms that cause a high-risk individual to engage in aggressive and violent behavior." In other words, using substances increases the chances of becoming both a perpetrator and a victim of domestic violence.

One of the problems that make it so difficult to eliminate domestic violence is fear. Victims are often cowed into staying in an abusive relationship and even shielding the abuser because they are afraid of the repercussions of attempting to leave or seek help. However, since 1987, certain advances have made it easier than ever for people to find support and get help to overcome domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a website where anyone can get help anonymously. The person can call, chat, or text and access templates to create a safety plan. This tool helps potential victims lower the risk of being hurt by their partners. These tools can mean the difference between life and death.

Whether it's substance abuse, domestic violence or both, don't wait. Help is available.