Summer months bring rise in domestic violence cases across United States

The summer months have seen a rise in domestic violence across the United States, according to a study done by the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice’s study of seasonal patterns and trends in criminal violence notes that there has been a 12% increase in domestic violence for the summer months. Tiffany Tate, the CEO of The Family Place in Dallas, tells FOX 4’s Shaun Rabb that factors for the increase include: Spending more time together in summer months Financial pressure Summer child care Spending more on food and activities Summer holidays More alcohol consumption at summer parties “It’s very troubling because that’s an element that we can’t control,” Tate tells Rabb. “We can’t control the heat and different environmental factors, so all we can do is plan and try to anticipate this increase in aggression and violence during this time period so that we can help survivors.” Tate says oftentimes, domestic violence can result in life or death situations. “It’s critical to remember that these are risk factors and not causes, so these different variables may increase stress or opportunities for conflict, but they are not the cause of intimate partner violence,” Tate continued. “We wholeheartedly believe that violence is always a choice and the responsibility of that choice rests solely with the person who is using the violence so you have someone who has the propensity to use violence. These are simply situations that can exacerbate that choice.” The Family Place offers a 24-hour hotline for those experiencing a domestic violence crisis. The number is (214) 941-1991. Community-based services, such as counseling, are also offered by The Family Place for free.