TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Institutes of Health show one in four women and one in nine men have experienced some form of partner abuse.
Here in Lucas County, the Family & Child Abuse Prevention Center found that more than 300 domestic violence calls are made each month. While not every call results in charges, both Bethany House and The Cocoon said the goal is to make sure victims know there's help when they're ready.
With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, places like Bethany House, The Cocoon, The Butterflies 15, and OTAL offer programs, services and assistance to anyone experiencing abuse in their relationship.
Deidra Lashley, Bethany House's executive director, and Kathy Mull, The Cocoon's executive director, said they've noticed an increase in domestic violence survivors coming for assistance.
"We have more people on our waiting list to get into the shelter than ever before," Lashley said.
"This year, we have supported over 488 survivors of domestic and sexual violence already," Mull said. "Last year we served 938. I definitely think we're going to be on trend to serve at least that many survivors this year, if not more."
Neither director believed the world is a more violent place, rather they've noticed over the last few years that a combination of several issues could be to blame. But Mull said this increase isn't all bad.
"I definitely think some of the increase in the numbers that we're seeing are individuals feeling safer to speak out and share about their experiences," Mull said.
They agreed more women seeking help means fewer lives in danger. A recent report from the Ohio Attorney General's Office found there were 8,500 domestic violence reports made in Lucas County alone in 2023. Of those domestic violence reports, more than 6,500 did not result in any charges. Lashley said that fact is not surprising.
"A survivor will leave that relationship seven times before leaving for good," Lashley said. "There's that process of leaving and coming back and trying to make it work."
Mull said anyone looking to be a supporter of someone being abused should be ready to really only offer the person space to figure it out.
"What they feel is the best way for them to receive support, to get help and also to not become one more person in the individual's lives who is imparting control," Mull said.
When they feel safe enough to want to leave, it's important to be supportive.
"Having a safety has been shown to be the most effective way to keep people safer when they're trying to make their escape," Lashley said.
Having important documents, a change of clothes and some cash stashed in a bag is ideal. Lashley and Mull said the main thing sometimes is that the person has someone they can count on.