Intimate Terrorism [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Punching, beating up, slapping, pulling hair, scratching and every other physical assault goes on more than you know in relationships.

As if that's not terrifying enough, now there's another public health crisis because of COVID-19. Created by the pandemic, movement restrictions that are aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus is also making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more troubling. Home isolation, however vital to the fight against the pandemic, is giving even more power to the abuser.

Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Executive Director of The Women's Center, joined me to talk about the full services to victims and a complete combination of free and confidential resources and accommodations. The Women's Center has provided opportunities to victims for the past 48 years, from Somerset to Wareham.

Mounting data suggests that domestic abuse is acting like an opportunistic infection, flourishing in the conditions brought into existence by COVID-19. People have suddenly been forced to be at home, and that gives the abuser a chance to call the shots of what should and shouldn't be.

If you know someone who can benefit from the no-cost, important services and programs at The Women's Center, call their 24-hour hotline at (508) 999-6636.

Please remember, you're on this earth for many reasons. Struggling with mistreatment isn't one of them.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.