Domestic Violence on The Rise
Domestic Violence on The Rise Wednesday October 25, 2006 9:17pm Reporter: Michelle Rupp Posted By: Talisa Austin Little Rock - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Experts say domestic violence is on the rise. Cases like Tuesdays murder suicide put a spotlight on the issue. The topic of domestic violence might be uncomfortable. Experts say women who find themselves in abusive situations will only seek help when they are ready. In Pulaski County many abusers won't face punishment because the jail is full. (Jayne Ann Kita, ACADV)"I hate we're talking today no about domestic violence awareness month and what we can do as a community but we're talking about it because another woman died." Jayne Ann Kita says every abuse case is different. Many women won't leave for fear of loosing their children or they've left before and the abuser has followed. Experts advise women to become familiar with the resources that are available. (Kita)"To talk to someone to find out what your rights are, what's available to you and what you can do to keep you and your children safe." With Tuesday’s murder suicide approximately 14 women have died in domestic cases this year. The final number won't be available until January. (Kita)"We've gone from 16 deaths in 2003, 19 in 2004 to 26 women murdered as a result of domestic violence in 2005, so we're seeing an increase." Kita is hopeful new legislation next spring will help fund shelters and new laws will offer stiffer penalties for abusers. http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1006/371335.html