Domestic abuse is defined as “a pattern of behaviors, including violence that an abuser uses to control his or her partner” and this month Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is shining a light on the issue. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Xiomara Levsen with DVIP shares what trends they are seeing locally as people are staying home more during the pandemic, “There is an increase in the injuries that we’re seeing. We’re seeing a lot more injuries and we’re also seeing a lot more monitoring going on, which means, that their abuser, he or she, is in the household with the person and they know who they call, where they’re going, how they’re going to get there, and where they’re spending money. And monitoring the children, as well. We’re also seeing more kids becoming victims of domestic violence as the second victim.”

Levsen encourages people in such situations to call the free hotline if they can get a few minutes alone, whether at home or perhaps on a break while they’re at work. The number is 1-800-373-1043 and all services are free and confidential. DVIP staff can help create a plan to leave an abusive situation.

Levsen says domestic violence knows no bounds, whether age, education, or income, “It’s all levels. It’s from poverty level all the way up to high socioeconomic levels in Washington County. I did have a person that was very well known in the area that had called, reached out for services because they were in a domestic violence situation and they make up to $300,000 per year. So, we often don’t think that domestic violence affects people who are in well good standing economically, but it does every day.”

Last year, DVIP served 41 clients in Washington County. The organization also provides advocacy services, connects clients with counseling, and helps coordinate safe housing. DVIP serves Washington, Johnson, Henry, Iowa, Cedar, Des Moines, Lee, and Van Buren counties.