The economy is putting a strain on households across the country and domestic violence case workers say financial hardships are leading to more victims visiting shelters.

Workers at the Family Crisis Intervention center say they've had a 400% increase in the past year in the number of nights victims stayed in shelters.

They say that with today's tight economy, many victims no longer have the money to leave an abusive situation on their own.

"When they don't think there's other options out there and services we provide. They may think there's not another way out and their only option is to stay in the situation," Emily Larkins, Case Manager.

The Wood County Sheriff's Department says they have not seen an increase in the actual number of domestic violence cases in the county.

For more information, you can call the anonymous domestic violence hot line at 1-800-794-2335.