GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — Studies show that a third of women and a quarter of men in the United States have experienced some type of violence from an intimate partner.
The holidays can be a crucial time for family members and friends to express concern or notice changes.
"We know our family best, right? We know what their normal reactions may be, we're also going to be the first to notice if those reactions change," WomenSafe CEO Andrea Gutka said. "The other thing to keep in mind is maybe some withdraw from the holidays. Maybe you typically saw a family member for the holidays and now suddenly they're not coming."
Gutka says go with your senses if you suspect one of your loved ones might be experiencing domestic violence over the holidays.
Other signs of domestic violence may include someone isolating themself more than they have in the past from the family, or if you're with someone and their partner is talking over them to the point of them shutting down.
If domestic violence is something you suspect, there are some measures you can take.
"It's so important to create a safe space and always let people know that your home or you phone call is a safe space to reach out," Gutka said.
There is a National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE, that people can call.
At Gutka's organization, WomenSafe, they are open 24/7 and have what they call a "copeline" at 1-888-285-5665, where people can call if they are read to start receiving services or if they just want to talk.
"Folks just call to have a lifeline and a warm line to call does this feel right? He or she did this and this is how I'm reacting to it. We have an individual right now, she's called 20 times and we're going to answer the 21st and 22nd and 23rd," Gutka said.
Just to give you an idea of how serious this issue is, 112 people lost their lives to domestic violence in Ohio in 2022, including 22 youth.