By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Domestic violence has continued to be a problem as COVID-19 has shaken up much of the economy and families locally.
"No one had any idea how it was going to manifest," said Donna Davis with Brighthouse. "What we've seen is the violence has gotten more severe. One example of that is more strangulation. That's gotten more severe, the instances have gotten more severe. Hutch Police are busier with domestic violence calls. We had ten one weekend not long ago. I think the combination of the stress of the virus and the unemployment and the lack of hope and all those things are combining to make the situation worse for many families."
Each family's situation is unique.
"I just had a call just this week from a lady here in town whose daughter is involved in domestic violence right now and the family is beside themselves. They don't know how to help her get out. but they can see what might happen down the road if she stays. In Kansas, 24% of all homicides are domestic violence."
It isn't just a case of men abusing women, either.
"It's across the board," Davis said. "It actually crosses all gender, race, socioeconomic status. It represents in every type of person and family that we have here in this community and in this country."
Almost everyone knows someone who has experienced domestic violence. If you need help, you can call 24 hours a day to (620) 663-2522.