Domestic Violence Rises with Summer Heat
July 11, 2011
By Jim Matheny

The interview rooms at the Family Justice Center in Knoxville are decorated with inviting colors, soft lighting, and plush furniture.  The Knoxville Police Department's program manager said these minor touches are designed to make victims of domestic violence more comfortable during the interview process.

"We actually had a focus group of survivors of domestic violence help us design the rooms," said David Kitts, Program Manager of the Criminal Investigation Division for the Family Justice Center.  "What we had before were the stark interrogation rooms and it was not as comfortable for victims."

The interview rooms are also set to a comfortable temperature and feature oscillating fans that can make things nice and cool when discussing heated relationships.

Kitts said the extreme heat outside can allow tempers to reach a boiling point that leads to a spike in cases of domestic abuse.

"What we see is situations where it is hot, and so that begins to make you irritable.  And if you are an abuser, you use that discomfort as an excuse to be abusive to someone else," said Kitts.

Temperatures are not the only seasonal factor that potentially feeds abusive situations.  Kitts said the extended daylight hours and increased social activities can lead to more violent encounters.

"The days are longer, it is hotter outside, and people are out partying more and drinking," said Kitts.  "You put that combination together and you'll have more domestic violence."

Although KPD reports an anecdotal spike in cases of violence during the sweltering heat, the department's investigators said the more predictable ebb and flow of domestic abuse is associated with the seasons.  The most severe season for domestic abuse is the spring, especially for relationships where children are involved.

"You talk to victims and they will tell you they lay low during the holidays.  They don't want to ruin the holidays for the children, so they will avoid conflict during that time."  Kitts added, "Spring is when victims will make life-changing decisions.  They will look at having divorces and in order to get out of a bad situation and get the kids moved to a new location by August [when school starts], they start in the springtime."

Kitts said the main thing for victims to remember is that abuse is not acceptable in any weather conditions.

"It does not matter how hot it is or how cold it is, there is no excuse for violence.  The abuser makes a choice to abuse and they can make a choice not to abuse.  It is not the victim's fault," said Kitts.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, there are several agencies that offer help.  The Knoxville Family Justice Center's 24/7 Violence Helpline can be contacted at 865-521-6336.