Counselors Provide Help for Rising Incidents of Domestic Violence and Family Problems in N.C.

Lynne White, Wilson Crisis Center, said domestic violence and familyproblems seem to be on the rise in the eastern part of the state. She andher staff of more than 100 phone counselors hear from a lot of callers whosay they have to talk to someone, even if that someone is a stranger.

Experts like family therapist Bill Edwards say talking is the one thingmany people don't do before they become violent. He said young parentsoften feel isolated, and blame it on their children.

Police are still trying to figure out why a Wilson man and his fiancee allegedly killed her baby, but they say the two claimed they werepunishing the child at the time. There's no guarantee that outsideintervention could have prevented the tragedy, but experts say if you'regoing through pain yourself, you don't have to do it alone.

If you don't have the time or ability to go for help, there are immediatesteps you can take at home to deal with your anger. Child care experts saythe first step is to keep calm. Just lowering your voice and speakingslowly should help you stay in control. You can also walk away.

The pros say separating yourself from the child for just a couple minutescan do wonders in restoring control. Also, "time outs" can work bothways, for children and their parents.

Reporter/PhotographerBrianBowman