Triple Threat
parenting triplets in the Capital District
Stress can lead to violence
T
There is help and a way out for domestic violence victims of any age
he past six months have tested every family. The divorce rate has risen 34 percent over the same time last year, and a New York Post article from Sept. 1 states that 31 percent of couples feel that being together in this very trying time has “caused irreparable damage to their relationships.” In my house, we have fought more since March 13 … however, we talk a lot too. Our big family is in a small space, and sometimes the adults disagree. We can get upset when someone is unable to understand what we are trying to say. Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca see us argue, and they see us talk things out. Harlan
and I have been married for fifteen years and don’t always agree, but we try to show our kids that people can love one another and not always agree. Domestic violence in all forms has been on the rise since the pandemic caused many jobs to evaporate and incomes slashed. Many families were left unable to pay bills and under immense pressure with schools being closed (or classes held virtually) and a loss of recreational activities. All relationships are vulnerable to domestic violence. Men and
by
women have been reaching out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local agencies seeking help. There has been a 9 percent increase in domestic violence since March 16, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The external stressors keep mounting, and the isolation helps to hide evidence of violence and intimidation.
Jennifer Steuer
I am a domestic violence survivor. It has been 18 years, but this is part of who I am and how I identify myself. Getting out of an abusive relationship – whether you are teen, young
adult, man, woman, straight, gay, trans or non-binary – is hard and can feel insurmountable. There is help, and no one is alone in this fight. I have watched my children grow and develop their own unique personalities. Talking about violence in relationships is not easy, but it is necessary. Young love is not immune to violence. My job is to prepare Olivia, Benjamin, and Rebecca to protect themselves and to have the skills to help someone who may be in a relationship that is unhealthy. There are places that concentrate on teens facing a violent relationship.
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To all of our
A Heartfelt Thank You! 6 Family Now — October 2020
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ESSENTIAL WORKERS
