Domestic Violence Calls On The Rise In Superior

The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse said authorities have seen an increase in the number of calls to report domestic violence in the Superior area over the past three years.

Jill Hinners, with the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior, said police received 418 calls in 2013 compared to 585 calls in 2016. Hinners said the signs of domestic violence can sometimes be difficult to spot.

“Often, the public face that you see on an individual or a couple is not necessarily what is going on behind closed doors. If people don’t understand the dynamics of domestic violence and why it’s so hidden and why it can be so hard for a victim of domestic violence to break free, they really don’t understand some of those barriers as well as signs to watch out for,” she said.

Hinners said domestic violence can exist in many forms whether it’s physical abuse, emotional abuse or controlling someone financially. She said CASDA staff members have been working to educate the community about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

“We would love it if the whole community showed up for our trainings and really dug in, but there are so many smaller ways that someone can get involved,” she said. “They can do their regular grocery shopping and throw a package of paper towels in for CASDA. While supplies last, we’ll be handing out purple flags just to draw awareness to domestic violence even if someone is able to plant a purple flag in their yard or at their business to highlight domestic violence awareness month.”

CASDA offers a 10-bedroom facility for people who need a place to stay after leaving an abusive relationship. Hinners said they house people for up to 45 days or more.

CASDA’s fall donation drive is already underway and will continue through this weekend at Super One in Superior’s East End. CASDA’s 24-hour help line can be reached at 800-649-2921.