The recession is creating an increase in domestic violence.
That's the finding of a survey of abuse shelters across the country, and crisis workers say it holds true here in eastern Kentucky.
WYMT's Marie Luby talked to one woman who says she experienced it first hand.

"Jane," who doesn't want to reveal her real name, recently snuck out of the Letcher County home she shared with her boyfriend.

Jane says, "I became fearful for my child and myself."

When Jane and her boyfriend were both laid off from high-paying jobs, she says it was a pivotal point in their relationship.

Jane says, "At least when we had money in, you know we could go out and do things. But with the money cut, the vehicle broke down, that was it. We were stuck there at home...Every day it got worse."

She found refuge at the LKLP Safe House, where workers are seeing a dramatic increase in reports of abuse. A survey by the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation found three out of four shelters nationwide have seen an increase in women seeking help since September, saying the reason is financial.

LKLP Safe House Director Lois Valentine says, "The more stress in a home, then the less coping skills that people who are abusive have. They're shorter tempered and fuses burn faster."

Victims' advocate Evelyn Hayes says four months ago about half her court cases in Knott County dealt with financial strain. Now, "I'd say that about 85 percent at this point would be due to financial stress on the families," says Hayes.

With limited local housing, the task of finding a new home for a growing number of women like Jane is becoming more difficult.

Valentine says if the LKLP Safe House suffers cuts in the upcoming state budget, that could mean cutting staff positions and services.

The local domestic violence crisis hotline is: 1-800-928-3131