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Since the Mercy Act was passed, it has become difficult to get accurate statistics on domestic killings quickly. Law enforcement no longer provides details to the public about the nature of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, and official charges are usually murder, revealing domestic violence as part of a situation involving atrocious conditions. There are no possible details. tragedy.
In the absence of readily available information that can be reliably verified, it appears that there have been at least four domestic homicides in the area in the last two months.
I am deeply concerned about the deadly increase in violence against women in our community. This overlaps with the disturbing trends seen in Refuge’s House.
Most notably, compared to data prior to 2020, the number of victims seeking judicial relief in the form of protective injunctions has increased by an average of 40% over the past six months. During this time, counseling services increased by 25%, and sexual assault hospital responses increased by 20%. Both of our emergency shelters are always running at over capacity, and all of our on-site temporary housing programs are at capacity.
Just as homicides appear to be on the rise, so too are requests for safety, crisis intervention and long-term assistance increasing at a record-breaking pace across all components of the program’s offerings. With the Covid-19 pandemic largely over, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking are reaching out for safety and support in record numbers.
Women seeking help at Refuge House share similar stories of the complex barriers they face while trying to escape an abusive partner. They cannot find affordable housing, affordable childcare, or jobs that offer a living wage. We are aware of these obstacles and have worked to alleviate them since the women’s movement began. , the level of extreme intimidation and attempts at control, and the brutality of the violence victims report experiencing at the hands of their abusers.
Violence against women must stop. Ensuring our communities have access to safety, support and upward mobility at a time when the future well-being and personal autonomy of women and girls seems to be shifting into uncertainty. It is more important than ever that we remain committed to doing what we do. Most importantly, perpetrators must take full responsibility for their actions. We firmly support victims who seek justice.
All of us at Refuge House extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones who lost these women, regardless of the circumstances. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these horrific crimes. If you are experiencing any form of intimate partner violence, please call our 24/7 hotline. We encourage you to call and ask for assistance. 850-681-2111.
Emily Mitchem is Executive Director of Refuge House.
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