Economic Stress; Awareness Factors in Increased Need, Survey Says

IRVING, Texas, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Domestic violence programs across Texas are experiencing a dramatic surge in the number of families needing emergency services, according to a new survey conducted by The Allstate Foundation.

Of the 30 domestic violence programs The Allstate Foundation surveyed statewide, 87% say the need for services (hotline calls, counseling and/or shelter stays) increased in 2009. The largest jump for many programs was in hotline calls, with some programs seeing as much as an 80% increase this year.

Economic stress has been a major factor contributing to the rising need, according to 85% of the surveyed programs that experienced an increase.

Prnewswire.com