News stories across the country report a rise in the occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse due to the economy. The rate of domestic violence resulting in deaths is up in parts of the country. Domestic violence hotlines are reporting an increase in calls and over half of the callers report a recent change in income. Official government data nationwide are not yet available to confirm this claim, but will be available in the next year or so.
News stories report that the National Domestic Violence Hotline is experiencing an increase of 21% in call volume compared to the same time last year. Children’s Hospital Boston and Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as others, are reporting an increase in admissions for shaken baby syndrome. Courts in some counties are reporting an increase in clients seeking restraining orders against abusers. States such as Maine, Virginia, California and Maryland are seeing an increase in abuse cases.