When the World Feels Heavy, Violence Too Often Rings Louder
A reflection on stress, trauma, and the rise in intimate partner violence
“The body remembers what the mind tries to forget.”
— Bessel van der Kolk, MD
In the past few weeks and months, the world has felt particularly heavy.
Each day brings another headline—a crisis, a loss, a collective ache that trickles into our homes, our bodies, and our communities.
But there’s another epidemic that rarely makes the news.
And it grows louder in the silence.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) increases during times of crisis. Not because people suddenly become violent—but because pressure without support becomes a powder keg. The isolation, the job loss, the grief, the fear… it all compounds. And for those already walking a tightrope inside their own homes, it can feel like the rope is fraying.
The Unseen Spike in Violence
When the COVID-19 pandemic locked down our lives, it also locked many people in unsafe homes. Research has since confirmed what many advocates already knew:
In the U.S., nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men experience psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
During global crises (pandemics, economic downturns, war, displacement), reported cases of IPV increase by 20–30% or more.
During COVID-19, some cities reported a 50% increase in calls to domestic violence hotlines. One global study found 70% of IPV survivors said the abuse escalated during lockdown.
But statistics can only tell part of the story.
Behind every number is a name.
A woman who can’t leave because there’s nowhere to go.
A survivor who fears they won’t be believed.
A family trying to survive in a world that already feels like it’s falling apart.
Why Stress Escalates Abuse
Stress doesn’t cause abuse—but it does expose the fault lines that already exist.
When control feels lost in the outside world, some seek to reclaim it in harmful, coercive ways inside the home.
During crises, these patterns often emerge:
Escalated verbal and emotional abuse: Demeaning, gaslighting, threats
Increased isolation: Preventing connection to friends, family, or support services
Economic abuse: Withholding money, controlling access to basic needs
Physical harm: Especially when no one else is watching
And all of this is compounded by shame. Survivors often blame themselves, especially when society teaches them to minimize, rationalize, or stay silent.
A Mission Rooted in Healing
At The Crucible Center for Arts & Wellbeing, we know that healing is not a linear path—it’s a deeply personal, often painful, but profoundly transformative journey.
We exist to provide safe, creative, nature-connected spaces for survivors to be seen, heard, and empowered. Whether through forest therapy, expressive arts, or wellness retreats, we use trauma-informed, heart-centered approaches to support those walking through their own crucibles.
We believe in the alchemy of healing.
That what has been broken can also be rebuilt.
That the body remembers pain—but it can also remember freedom, joy, and strength.
When the world feels unwell, we offer a place to reconnect with resilience.
If You’re Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
You are not alone.
You are not overreacting.
You are not responsible for someone else’s behavior.
Help is available. Confidentially. Compassionately.
🧡 National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
💬 Or text “START” to 88788
🌐 www.thehotline.org
If you’re in Colorado and want to explore healing through nature, creativity, or personalized wellness support, please reach out to The Crucible Center. We hold space for survivors. We walk beside you. We believe in the possibility of transformation.
Because your story doesn’t end here.
And your safety is not a privilege—it is a right.