Resources for domestic violence survivors available during the holidays

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Advocates are raising awareness of the resources available in our area after two domestic violence-related incidents occurred in less than 24 hours.

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“Situations like we did last night like in Lake Worth and in Boynton Beach, it’s going from one extreme to the other,” said Program Coordinator of the Palm Beach County Victim Services.

Once law enforcement calls, advocates with Victim Services respond immediately to help survivors begin their journey to healing.

“We respond to a scene or respond to a hospital,” Carlini said.

They work roughly 300 cases a month, but it’s expected to rise during the holidays especially after the New Year.

“We do see a huge increase right after the holiday,” Carlini said.

They are also noticing a trend this time of the year.

“There is the issue with coercive control. There’s a lot of stalking involved in these cases and we take seriously because that can lead to violence,” she said.

Palm Beach County pastor Dr. J.R. Thicklin is CEO Destiny By Choice, a non-profit organization, which offers support to victims statewide.

When uncontrollable stressors rise during the holiday season, so does domestic violence, according to Thicklin.

“Expectations that sometimes are not meant, strain and not being able to perform certain thing; that type of stress exacerbates things that are already present and oftentimes it goes into this area where it becomes fatal,” Destiny By Choice CEO Dr. J.R. Thicklin said.

“When you talk about every single day, at least six females alone die in domestic violence, it’s very predictable.”

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Experts urge anyone who needs help or knows someone who may be a victim to call the 24-7 Crisis Hotline (866) 891-7273, or (561) 355-2418, Option 3.

For a list of local, state and national resources, click here.

“It is that neighbor who made a phone call this morning in Lake Worth because they heard something. They didn’t turn off the lights and turn over, they turned on the lights and made a phone call. Each person can play a role by being extra sensitive,” Dr. Thicklin said.

To reach Destiny By Choice, call (561) 439-3145.