Many of the cases I cover include violence that likely occurred between intimate partners. The more I learn about these situations, the more I realize we need to talk more about these instances, and help people get away from them.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner EVERY MINUTE. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced this. Escaping these situations isn't as simple as just walking out a door. The risk of violence actually rises when people try to get out of situations like this. If you are in a situation like this, please watch the video below, seek more information, help and additional resources to put a team and plan together, and get out. You can do this. You are worth it. Don't believe any story saying that you don't deserve better.
Please visit https://www.thehotline.org/ for more information and to find people that will be on your side, and give you information and help to make your escape and start your new life.
If you are not positive you are in a domestic violence situation, here are some warning signs noted at https://greatist.com/happiness/stop-domestic-violence-organizations#warning-signs
Red flags include:
fear of your partner
missing work or school
personality changes
low self-esteem
trouble sleeping
anxiety about pleasing your partner
Warning signs in your partner include:
monitoring you on social media
keeping you from seeing friends and family
blaming you and others for problems in their life
angry outbursts, punching walls, or destroying your property
tracking your spending or withholding money
controlling who you talk to, what you wear, or where you go
criticizing, belittling, or embarrassing you in front of others
taking away your keys or preventing you from leaving
restraining, slapping, or physically hurting you
threatening self-harm or suicide if you try to leave
Learn more information from these reputable sources:
https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-a-safety-plan/
https://greatist.com/happiness/stop-domestic-violence-organizations#warning-signs
In honor of the Case Cracked episode about Aroha Kerehoma here are links for help in New Zealand (thank you NZ Herald):
Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
Ministry of Justice: www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice/domestic-violence
National Network of Stopping Violence: www.nnsvs.org.nz
White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz