Domestic Violence Calls Jump 62 Percent In 2021 In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Domestic violence is, unfortunately, more prevalent than most people want to admit not only in Hillsborough but across the country.

It could be your neighbor, friend, or family member who is hiding abuse at home.

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 and arrests associated with domestic violence in Hillsborough.

In 2021, the township reported a 62.6 percent increase over 2020 in domestic violence calls and a 48.7 percent increase in domestic violence-related arrests, according to Hillsborough Police Chief Mike McMahon.

Here is a breakdown of the domestic violence(DV) statistics in Hillsborough:

"The majority and most common charges in these incidents are assault, contempt of court (TRO[Temporary Restraining Order] violations) and criminal mischief," said McMahon.

The COVID pandemic did play a role in the increase in domestic violence calls

Safe+Sound Somerset had previously told Patch that the fact people were stuck at home due to many jobs or schooling going virtual due to the pandemic impacted the numbers. Read More: Domestic Violence Calls Up 40 Percent In Somerset County

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.

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.

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