October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for educating the public about domestic violence and giving victims of domestic violence an opportunity to be heard. 

And in Baltimore’s Jewish community, CHANA is where victims of domestic violence can find help and hope. 

Regrettably, they need it more than ever before, says CHANA Executive Director Lauren Shaivitz. 

Shaivitz explains that one reason that the incidence and severity of domestic violence continues to trend upwards is that many people remain isolated.

“Even if you’re going back to your life somewhat, you’re still not living as you were prior to the pandemic. Many people are now working from home,” she says. “So, they are isolated in their homes with abusers and have less access to resources and the community.” 

Shaivitz notes this is especially true for older adults who are appropriately more concerned about contracting the virus and may be more dependent on a spouse, caregiver or family member for groceries, transportation  and more. 

Financial anxiety is another factor in the uptick in domestic violence says Shaivitz. 

“At the beginning of the pandemic, we saw tremendous amounts of unemployment and there’s a strong correlation between unemployment and abuse. But now what we see is just terrible financial insecurity with inflation, the cost of gas and food. That added stress and tension in the home creates more opportunities for danger.” 

Worst of all, Shaivitz doesn’t see the domestic abuse crisis dissipating any time soon. 

“There are still victims trying to decide — am I safer at home with an abuser or am I safer out in the world trying to start a new life, when the virus is still running rampant, everything costs so much money and feels so insecure right now? We believe that for the next few years, we’re going to keep seeing this dramatic increase,” she says.

Watch one story of abuse.

Controlling Behavior

“Abuse is always about one person trying to maintain power or control over another,” says Shaivitz. Controlling behavior can take many forms but if your partner, friend, family member or caregiver attempts to control your whereabouts, finances, social interactions, use of technology, etc., that may signal an abusive relationship. 

Isolation 
During the pandemic, we have all  been more isolated than usual, so it may be difficult to identify this warning sign. Be on the lookout for changes in the frequency or nature of your communication with a friend or loved one. Do they make excuses that don’t ring true for being out of touch? 

That may be a sign that an abuser is keeping them isolated to maintain control. 

Fear 
Are you fearful about doing or saying something that may upset your partner? Says Shaivitz: “Fear can be engendered by physical threats or actual physical violence. But victims can also be fearful of emotional and verbal abuse. If you are constantly monitoring your behavior so as not to cause your partner to become angry or threatening, if you blame yourself for triggering abusive behavior in your partner, you may need CHANA’s help.

Controlling Behavior
“Abuse is always about one person trying to maintain power or control over another,” says Shaivitz. Controlling behavior can take many forms but if your partner, friend, family member or caregiver attempts to control your whereabouts, finances, social interactions, use of technology, etc., that may signal an abusive relationship. 

For more, contact CHANA at 410-234-0030 or visit them online at chanabaltimore.org.

On October 25, CHANA presents its annual event, “Voices: From Darkness to Light.” Visit chanabaltimore.org to register.