Next time you are at work, at a restaurant or maybe walking on the beach, look around you. There is a possibility that there may be a victim quietly suffering. The statistics are sobering. Per the US Department of Justice, at least 3 women are murdered per day by their spouse or boyfriend. About 36% of women and 29% of men have experienced rape, stalking or physical violence by their partners in their lifetime. Per the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence which results in over 12 million cases per year in the United States alone. It’s a tragedy that constantly needs to be recognized and addressed in hopes of stopping the abuse before it occurs and for treatment of the victims. Most people believe that domestic violence involves only physical abuse. In actuality, it also includes the attempt to control their partner physically, psychologically, financially or socially.

So who are the victims living and working among us? As stated previously, they can be women or men. Younger women tend to make up the majority of victims, but this crime has no barriers as it even occurs among the elderly. Domestic violence happens regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status or level of education.To complicate matters, there are ripple effects. There is a known link between domestic violence and child abuse. Per the US Department of Justice, over the duration of one year about 1 million children are exposed to serious violence such as being kicked or beaten. They are also impacted by what they see happening within their family. In an analysis of court reported cases, children witnessed the violence about 22% of the time. This increases the risk of these children experiencing psychological issues such as post- traumatic stress disorder. Sadly, one study found that about 9% of teens admitted that they had been struck purposefully by their boyfriend or girlfriend within the last year. Please reach out to your teenage children about this troubling statistic.

It’s important to look out for warning signs that your friends, family members or co-workers may be showing you. Look for unexplained bruising or marks. Pay attention to those who constantly worry about their actions possibly irritating their partner or appearing disobedient. Pay attention if they are becoming isolated and avoiding friends or family.

To those who may be victims, please realize the following: You need to be concerned if your partner starts showing aggressive warning signs of either physical or psychological abuse. Examples may be constantly belittling and putting you down. Access to finances may be taken away from you. Other examples include showing you signs of jealousy if you spend time with family and friends. This may escalate with threatening to take the children away from you, or forcing you to have sex against your will. Please understand that love does NOT include physically hurting you or your children.

Please keep up with your medical appointments. Per the CDC, women of violence have higher medical risks in their lifetime. There is an 80% higher chance of having a stroke and a 70% higher risk for having a heart attack. Unfortunately, women abused are 80% more likely to drink heavily which has possible medical complications from that alone.

If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs or being physically abused, please call either of the following numbers for more information when you are in a safe place. Remember, you are not alone. Someone is always available 24 hours a day by calling the numbers below.

It is important to offer support to possible victims but also to let them know to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline. It would be helpful to have these numbers posted in every bathroom stall at all public sites, jobs and schools. These numbers are listed below.

The more that it is discussed, the better the chance that a victim may be recognized and be able to reach out for help.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Florida 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-500-1119

Dr. Sciavolino-Day is a concierge physician specializing in internal medicine. More information may be obtained at www.drsciavolinoday.com or by calling 239-596-8702.