Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and for many, the day is about celebrating friendship and love.

But at this time of the year, it’s also important to remember that there can be spikes in domestic violence.

Many people experience abuse from a partner, and no amount of flowers, chocolates, or gifts can compensate for those feelings. 

“Violence is a problem every single day of the year,” said Sarah McGaughnea, assistant director at Unity House Domestic Violence Services. “There are people walking in and out of my office every single day, bringing their children, anything they could bring from their home in a garbage bag, fleeing a violent situation and being homeless.”

Unfortunately, it’s also true that people in abusive relationships may not realize they are being abused because there is no physical violence involved. A black eye is always the public's perception of abuse, but it can happen in other ways. Some of the most damaging abuse is not physical, but psychological, emotional, social, and sexual abuse. According to Maggie Fronk, CEO of Wellspring, abuse may include social isolation, financial control, and sexual abuse.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime in the U.S. More than one in three women and one in four men have experienced physical violence, rape or stalking. Over 20,000 calls are made to domestic hotlines daily.

Professionals say if you know someone experiencing domestic violence, let them know that you care about them and that you are here to help. 

“If you are concerned about somebody, say, I am concerned about you, I have seen it and I want you to know that you can always come and talk to me,” Fronk said. “You can also go to Wellspring or any other organization in your community to let them know you care.

You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 if you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence.