252 Domestic Violence Calls In Bridgewater In 2022-23

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — It's a topic many shy away from or are embarrassed to share it has happened to them. Yet domestic violence happens across the country and even in Bridgewater.

It's time to shed some light on this and help our neighbors, friends, and family members who are suffering in silence.

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a 501 nonprofit organization.

In light of October marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Patch took a look at the number of calls associated with domestic violence in Bridgewater.

The number of domestic violence(DV) incidents has decreased since it hit a high during the pandemic in Bridgewater:

As of Oct. 23, there were 83 domestic violence calls in 2023 and the following is a breakdown of the charges:

• Harassments - 108
• Assaults - 47
• Criminal Mischief - 7
• Criminal Trespass - 1
• Contempt of Count - 6

There were 169 domestic violence calls in 2022 and the following is a breakdown of the charges:

• Harassments - 43
• Assaults - 30
• Criminal Mischief - 3
• Contempt of Count - 4

See the number of domestic violence(DV) incidents in Bridgewater from 2018 through 2021:

• For 2021 - there were 200 D.V. calls.
• For 2020 - there were 156 D.V. calls.
• For 2019 - there were 136 D.V. calls.
• For 2018 - there were 131 D.V. calls.

Need Help?

Safe+Sound Somerset offers a 24-hour hotline at 866-685-1122 that is fully staffed, with English and Spanish speakers, for those in need.

"Since 1978, Safe+Sound Somerset has been answering the call of domestic violence survivors – often literally – with calls to our 24/7 helpline that are the first step in breaking free from the domestic violence and sexual abuse for many who are being beaten, battered, and berated. We hear it and see it every day – and we are here to help every survivor every day," according to safe-sound.org.

Safe+Sound Somerset is the only organization in Somerset County providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Their compassionate, evidence-based/informed programs are designed to provide safety, hope and healing to survivors and their children; and to educate, interrupt, and stop intimate partner violence by leveraging our expertise and advocating within systems to create safe spaces for all.

What Traits Do Abusers Have in Common?

There is no one typical, detectable personality of an abuser. However, they do often display common characteristics.

• An abuser often denies the existence or minimizes the seriousness of the violence and its effect on the victim and other family members.
• An abuser objectifies the victim and often sees them as their property or sexual objects.
• An abuser has low self-esteem and feels powerless and ineffective in the world. He or she may appear successful, but internally, they feel inadequate.
• An abuser externalizes the causes of their behavior. They blame their violence on circumstances such as stress, their partner's behavior, a "bad day," on alcohol, drugs, or other factors.
• An abuser may be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and is often seen as a "nice person" to others outside the relationship.

What Are the "Warning Signs" of an Abuser?

Red flags and warning signs of an abuser include but are not limited to:

• Extreme jealousy
• Possessiveness
• Unpredictability
• A bad temper
• Cruelty to animals
• Verbal abuse
• Extremely controlling behavior
• Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
• Forced sex or disregard of their partner's unwillingness to have sex
• Sabotage of birth control methods or refusal to honor agreed upon methods
• Blaming the victim for anything bad that happens
• Sabotage or obstruction of the victim's ability to work or attend school
• Controls all the finances
• Abuse of other family members, children or pets
• Accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair
• Control of what the victim wears and how they act
• Demeaning the victim either privately or publicly
• Embarrassment or humiliation of the victim in front of others
• Harassment of the victim at work

For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.