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SARASOTA – One Suncoast crisis center wants any victims of domestic violence to know they are not alone. 

“Sometimes it is very obvious that someone is in a domestic violence situation and there are times when you have no idea,” said Invest Advocate at SPARCC, Sigrid. 

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, also known as SPARCC, President and CEO, Jessica Hayes says an important first step is talking about domestic and acknowledging that every situation is different

“Some relationships there are plenty of warning signs, and there is violence that escalates and builds and other times it’s something that might trigger a really violent episode or even a homicide, it can be changes in independence or when the abuser might sense that they are losing control or someone gaining independence,” said President and CEO at Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, SPARCC, Jessica Hays. 

The increase in isolation that has separated victims from friends, family and support systems while living through a pandemic has caused many situations to escalate for victims

“Added stressors of isolation, fear, of course with situations of health and financial pressures can certainly cause volatile situations to become lethal, deadly situations,” said Hays. 

Also, loved ones should be aware of signs that any victim may be showing

“People distancing, pulling themselves away, disconnecting from family and friends, isolation is very important, not having any money financially, or being in control of their own money not being able to work, not having access to a vehicle or a change in how they are dressing, maybe they are dressing a little more conservatively or a way that they wouldn’t have dressed first,” said Sigrid. 

Many victims do not understand the severity of their abuse

“They don’t realize until they get into services where they are at or what their risk is and sometimes sitting with an advocate and having an advocate explain to them you are at risked of being killed, these are some signs and indicators and this is the progression of domestic violence brings them back and makes them realize where they are at,” said Sigrid. 

Any victim of domestic violence or sexual assault can reach out to SPARCC’s free and confidential hotline at 941-365-1976.

Or visit their website here, for more information.