The economy seems to be partly to blame. Administrators at the Family Violence Center noticed the spike when gas prices went up and people started losing their jobs.

It's normal to see a spike in domestic violence in the winter months but this year is much worse. With the economy in poor shape, tempers flare, forcing more women and children to seek help.

“We're seeing more and more nasty heinous physical abuse: grease being poured over your head, you're being set on fire, you're being pushed off a bridge, you're being thrown down the stairs. It's not just slaps and little pushes. It's getting worse,” said Pat Reiser of the Family Violence Center.

The number of child physical abuse cases is up 107 percent from last year, making Greene County the highest in the state, per capita. The number of child sexual abuse cases is up 50 percent.

Last year the Family Violence Center helped 852 women and just as many children. This year, many have been turned away. And it's not just mothers and children; it's grandmothers, too.

“We're seeing a real increase in older women coming to us, and they're not only experiencing abuse by a partner but perhaps they've lost their life partner and are now living with their family and having abuse by the children,” said Pat Reiser of the Family Violence Center.

The center helps women and children throughout southwest Missouri. Administrators say this year is more challenging since people are donating less money and fewer grants are available.

Reiser notes that, for domestic violence, Missouri ranks second in the nation next to Texas.