First Step, a Wayne County nonprofit that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence, is set to renovate its residential program after receiving a $100,000 Lowe’s Community Impact Grant.

Experts have identified factors that contribute to the increase in violence during this period like disruptions in family routines, spending more time with family, financial stress, and increased alcohol and drug use. However, these are not the root causes of domestic violence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

Domestic violence has intensified since the pandemic started and with the winter months right around the corner experts fear the situation could get even worse.