Local Agency Says Domestic Violence in Santa Barbara County is an Epidemic
The alleged domestic violence incident involving former NFL football player Ray Rice and his now wife, has sparked a local conversation.
A local agency that helps victims of domestic violence says it is an epidemic right now.
Domestic Violence Solutions says one in three women in Santa Barbara County have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.
One out of every three teens in the county is a victim of relationship violence. The national average is one in five.
Marsha Marcoe is the Associate Executive Director of the agency. She says its time to change the way we think about the problem.
“When I go out and talk to people, the number one question is ‘why doesn’t she just leave?’,” Marco said. “We have to change the message and ask ‘why does he do this why or does she do this’?”
If you or someone you know is a victim, Domestic Violence Solutions has four 24-hour crisis lines:
In Santa Barbara call 805-964-5245
In Santa Maria call 805-925-2160
In Lompoc call 805-736-0965
In Santa Ynez 805-686-4390
Domestic Violence Solutions is hosting the 7th Annual High Esteem Tea on October 5th, 2014 from 1:30 – 4pm at Bacara Resort & Spa Grand Ballroom.
The guest speaker is Jackson Katz, creator of Mentors in Violence Prevention, a gender violence prevention and education program.
The agency is also hosting the First Annual 5k Run/Walk for Love on November 1st, 2014 at 8am at Goleta Beach.
For more information click here
