The Poor Economy's Influence on Domestic Violence Rates

Mississippi holds the second highest domestic violence rate in the country. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on how the poor economy may be exacerbating the situation even more.

The calls started coming more frequently to the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter in Pascagoula starting in September and the number of calls has been on the rise since then says Program Director Doreen Davis,

“Yes women have been calling more and more because of the financial situation in the home. The husbands are increasing in the verbal assault at home, the physical assault is increasing.”

Domestic Violence shelters around the state are reporting increased numbers. That isn’t surprising given the economic climate the country is in right now, says Christy Harrison, Project Administrator with the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence,

“ It can go from losing a job or you know potentially the fear of being laid off, can definitely cause stress in the situation and lead to a violent episode.”

But Brian Name, Communications Director with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, says the real fear is that the economic situation will make it harder for women to actually leave the abusive situation,

“I think that when couples face difficult economic times, the higher stress levels often times force women to stay in abusive relationships is they are unsure of their economic condition.”

Along with having one of the highest domestic violence rates in the country, Mississippi ranks number five in the nation for killings by intimate partners.