Two straight days of homicides involving women being killed in the Twin Cities is pushing one Minnesota domestic violence advocate to again plead to those who may be dealing with violence or abuse.
Becky Smith, the interim executive director with Violence Free Minnesota, told Sloane Martin during the Morning News on Wednesday that there are often many barriers preventing people from getting out of tragic situations.
"Someone might be financially dependent on their abusive partner or have be denied opportunities to work, a place to sleep on their own, or language assistance," Smith said. "Even just the basic family, community, or friend network that we sometimes rely on when things get really hard."
In February, the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice reported domestic violence increased 8.1 percent. According to NISVS, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner with negative impact such as injury, fear, concern for safety, needing services.
"Abuse is an isolating experience," added Smith. "Someone who's being abused might be experiencing extreme fear, shame, or intimidation. When someone has children, that becomes a really large factor in the ability to leave as well."
Smith added that often times people are unsure about how to approach the issue of domestic violence if they suspect someone close to them is a victim.
"We all have a responsibility here," she said. "Asking someone 'How's it going?' and really caring about the answer can go a really long way. When you ask and really care about what that answer is, you're deeply listening to someone. You're not trying to get your point of view across, you're just trying to hear their perspective."
Violence Free Minnesota has a number of resources available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing domestic violence.
Hotline Numbers
DayOne Crisis Hotline
866.223.1111
Minnesota’s statewide hotline for people experiencing violence, 24/7/365
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800.799.7233 or 800.787.3224 (TTY)
Esperanza United
651.772.1611
Bilingual (español)
Domestic Violence Helpline
National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline
Videophone: 855.812.1001
ThinkSelf – Deaf Advocacy Services
Videophone: 651.829.9089
Text Hotline: 621.399.9995
OutFront Minnesota
800.800.0350
LGBTQ+ Anti-Violence Crisis Line
LoveIsRespect.org
1.866.331.9474
Teen Dating Violence Hotline
StrongHearts Native Helpline
844.762.8483
Native American Domestic Violence Helpline
