PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As Philadelphia continues to grapple with gun violence, the city has confirmed that the number of women who were shot and killed has doubled over last year.
"These aren't just numbers," said Women Against Abuse Executive Director and President Joanna Otero-Cruz.
"Behind every number is a woman."
She said the numbers are nothing short of alarming. So far this year, 256 women have been gunned down in Philadelphia, and 53 of those shootings were fatal.
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The city also confirms that domestic homicides, in general, are up 106% over last year so far.
Cruz said in cases of domestic violence, it's all about control. That unfortunately is easier to maintain when everyone is together, as was the case during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
"We actually saw less people reaching out for help during the lockdown," said Cruz.
"Our hotline calls declined, and the requests for shelter also declined."
But that doesn't mean there were fewer incidents.
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The increase in cases when things opened up again may reflect the need of the abuser to have greater control. Cruz said that in many cases, there are warning signs to look for.
"Does your partner try to control who you see, where you go, what your wear, who you call, who you text? Do they isolate you from your friends and family?"
She also said a warning sign involves dictating what clothing can be worn. And for teens, it's all about the texting and putting a tracker on you.
She says women don't have to go through it alone, and are encouraged to call the Women Against Abuse hotline at 866-723-3014 or to chat online through here Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. They can also get more information on key resources by clicking here.
