Domestic violence is a problem that touches every community in America. Violence against women is particularly concerning, but learning more about this issue may help us understand what we can do to stop it.
In the most recent report by the Violence Policy Center, “When Men Murder Women,” Oklahoma ranked 11th in the nation for single-victim, single-offender incidents in which men murdered women. The report, based on 2016 homicide data and published in 2018, shows 31 women — or 1.57 per 100,000 — were killed in Oklahoma in a single year. In those cases, 93% were killed by a man they knew.
The Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report “An Analysis of 2017 Domestic Violence Homicides” shows a slight increase in the number of deaths that year. The total number (including both genders) of intimate partner homicides (IPH) was 82 — 33 of whom were women.
The Scope of the Problem
Domestic violence hotlines receive about 21,000 calls each day, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Behind each call is a story, and a person whose life or safety may be at risk due to the actions of a family member, or an intimate partner.
Addressing violence and its root causes can be complicated, and as allies, we need to know what we’re up against. Additional 2017 figures from the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board tell us more about victims and perpetrators, and the impact this issue is having on the state’s citizens.
Relationship Types: Family members were responsible for 38% of all homicides in the state that year and 45% were perpetrated by intimate partners (current or former spouses, and current or former boyfriends or girlfriends). One hundred percent of adult female victims were killed by men.
Cause of Death: Of the 82 victims of IPH (men and women), 48 were killed by firearms, 18 were killed by blunt force trauma, 11 were cut or stabbed, two were strangled or asphyxiated, and three deaths were attributed to “other” causes.
Race, Ethnicity and Age: The statistics show that 60% of IPH victims were white, 28% were black, 6% were Native American, 5% were Hispanic, and 1% identified as Asian. Thirty-seven percent of the female IPH victims in Oklahoma were between the ages of 21 and 40.
National figures from the Violence Policy Center report highlight the need for action as well. They show that a woman is far more likely to be killed by a spouse than a stranger. The report also found that 63% of domestic homicides in 2016 were carried out by husbands or intimate partners, and that black women were twice as likely to be killed by men as their white counterparts.
Sadly, one of the report’s most shocking statistics is also the least surprising: 74% of the single-victim, single-offender incidents in which men murdered women happened during or shortly after a domestic dispute.
What Can We Do to Make a Difference?
To combat such a serious problem, we must take a multipronged approach. From domestic violence programs and legislation to volunteering and education, there are many options to make a positive impact on the safety of women in Oklahoma.
Improve Training: The first recommendation from NCADV’s “Domestic Violence Homicide in Oklahoma” report is “training for ALL Systems, prioritizing the judiciary, health care and mental health professionals.” As the report notes, many IPH cases are preceded by other incidents of domestic violence, so it’s crucial that law enforcement, legal professionals and healthcare providers recognize the signs of abuse.
Bring Agencies Together: In 2017, Oklahoma established the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP). The taskforce created consists of members of law enforcement, domestic violence service providers and researchers from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. “The goals of the taskforce are to collect data to evaluate LAP outcomes, enhance uniformity of practices, and provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement and domestic violence service provider agencies,” explains the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Review Board.
Enact New Laws: It’s crucial that federal and state governments enact laws to protect women and domestic violence victims in general. One such law, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), was enacted in 1994 and reauthorized in 2019. Since its inception, states and municipalities have received federal grants of over $7 billion to support programs that prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, according to the National Association of Counties. This is just one example of how state and federal lawmakers can act to fight domestic violence.
What Can You Do to Make a Difference?
Volunteering with a domestic violence shelter or nonprofit organization in your area takes no special education or experience. Agencies and support hotlines that provide services to victims will train you, and show you a variety of ways you can help. Sometimes, just being there can make a world of difference for someone who needs a friendly ear.
You can also make donations of food, clothing and household items to your local women’s shelter. Agencies like Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, are great places to start. Even if you don’t live near OKC, they’ll help you find contact information for services in your community.
If you are seeking a career where you can have a direct impact on domestic violence, consider a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU). This 100% online bachelor’s program can give you the professional knowledge and skills to make a difference.
Many graduates of criminal justice degree programs go on to work in law enforcement — one of the first lines of defense against domestic violence. Others work in victim advocacy or continue to law school, fighting for victim’s rights. Some graduates also go on to careers in politics, and work to improve current laws and policies. All of these career options, and many others, are promising choices for those who want to do their part to end domestic violence.
With dedication and education, we can work together to ensure Oklahoma women can live their lives in safety, free from violence and abuse.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Sources:
Violence Policy Center: When Men Murder Women – An Analysis of 2016 Homicide Data
NACo: U.S. House Passes Five-Year Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
United States Census Bureau: Quick Facts – Oklahoma
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board: An Analysis of 2017 Domestic Violence Homicides
NCADV: Domestic Violence in Oklahoma
Palomar: Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center