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The year-end statistics are out on domestic violence related deaths. The year isn't over yet, but a preliminary report shows that 22 people were killed this year as result of domestic violence.
Utah's Domestic Violence Council releases this report every year in hopes that numbers will go down. Unfortunately this year's figures are up slightly from last year.
Twenty-two deaths were related to domestic violence in 2008, not counting any in December, so that number will rise. Last year there were only 18. But in 2006, 29 people died. Experts think the numbers fluctuate so much depending on awareness of helpful resources. Asha Parekh, director of the Family Justice Center, said, "Often victims are very isolated as a result of the abuse they're going through. And so they may not know where services are available or how to access those services."
The year started violently with David Ragsdale shooting and killing his wife Kristy on Jan. 6; her 30th birthday. Ragsdale recently took a plea deal and will most likely spend life in jail. Now, their children will grow up without a mother or father around.
In April, Missouri police found the body of a Salt Lake woman in a plastic container in the truck of a car. Police suspect Deborah Jones was killed by her former live-in boyfriend Michael Doyel.
Brandy Farmer, a domestic violence survivor who helped compile this year's results, says she understands why it's so hard for abused women to get help or leave a relationship. She says, "I felt absolutely terrified that my life was going to be taken, but more than that, I was so incredibly afraid my children's lives were going to be taken as well.
"But when we break the silence and break the chain and say 'I am being abused, I need help,' it is incredible what opens us to us."
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, tell someone. For immediate help call 911. If you decide to leave a violent relationship, do not threaten to leave, as this may escalate the situation. Call the Utah Domestic Violence Link-Line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) for help. You can be referred to an advocate who will help you create a safety plan and help find shelter for you and your children.
If you are an abuser, there is also help available for you through the Link-Line.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
