Editor's Note: This story mentions domestic violence. Those in need can contact the The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text 88788.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — “Being on the streets is very dangerous. And for the young women especially, they're just extra vulnerable,” said the clinical services manager at Star House, Jill Gorz. 

What You Need To Know

  • Data shows that the number of domestic violence incidents on New Year’s Day is more than two-and-a-half times the daily average

  • Factors like stress, financial stress and family dynamics can contribute to the increase of domestic abuse

  • If you know someone dealing with domestic violence or intimate partner violence call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800.799.7233(SAFE)

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence is a steady problem all year round, but it’s especially prominent during and after the holiday season.

“In their minds having to experience abuse at the hands of one person is better than having to be vulnerable to abuse and harassment from a lot of people,” said Gorz. 

Jill Gorz is the clinical services manager at Star House, the only drop-in center for homeless youth in central Ohio. She says domestic and intimate partner violence isn’t limited to adults. In fact, Domestic Violence Services Incorporated data shows that nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. 

“We’ll have youth who run away because they’re running away from something dangerous, running away from a partner. That’s not uncommon,” said Gorz.   

According to the National Resource Center On Domestic Violence, the number of domestic violence incidents on New Year’s Day is more than two-and-a-half times the daily average. That’s why nonprofit agencies like Halt Violence are so important for the community, building resources for victims and survivors 

“We have to create resources. So one of the things that we’re trying to do is create relationships outside of Franklin County so that individuals can have a place to go as far as refugee,” said the CEO of Halt Violence, Thell Robinson III. 

Thell Robinson III is the CEO of Halt Violence. As a certified trauma counselor and community mentor, Robinson says that domestic abuse comes in many layers and some people feel as if they don’t have a choice. 

“Not having a place to go. So they settle and they settle for the abuse. They settle for the mental abuse, emotional abuse. Some of them do it for kids. It’s layers,” said Robinson.