Atlanta
(2009-11-30)
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Homicides resulting from domestic violence are on the rise.
Officials from Athens and Clark Counties are alarmed by the numbers.
Thirteen victims have been killed by their spouses so far in 2009, more than the six previous years combined.
Athens police spokesman David Leedahl believes a major factor is the tough economy.
LEEDAHL: It can cause depression, it can casuse family issues. People don't seek any assistance and help in trying to deal with what's going on.
Shelley Serdahely, executive director of Men Stopping Violence, says shelters across the state are reporting a significant increase in call volume from abused women.
The increase, she believes, is directly tied with unemployment.
SERDAHELY: When men have a stronger sense that they have no power in other places, control over their partner becomes more important, so violence increases as a result.
With or without jobs, Serdahely says men who are physically abusive towards their spouses - for any reason - need to be immediately reported to local authorities.
For WABE, I'm Jonathan Shapiro. © Copyright 2010, WABE
