Posted Thursday May. 12, 2022, 3:47 pm
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Domestic violence and sexual assault are often difficult topics to address. However, in the past few years, people have become more aware and vocal about these topics. The increased awareness and advocacy regarding these topics has helped many in need. But, there are still many people going through such atrocities behind closed doors and they are in dire need of help.
Statistics from Montana
The Montana Crime Control Board’s Center for Statistical Analysis tracked and reported domestic violence crimes from 2015 to 2020. These are crimes against intimate partners and include crimes such as assault, murder, kidnapping, and sexual crimes. The number of crimes between 2015 and 2019 ranged from 6,070 shocking crimes in 2015 to a slightly lower 5,805 in 2019. Overall, the average between those two years was 6,066. However, the number of reported crimes decreased to 4,533 in 2020.
What do the statistics mean?
According to experts, although this may seem like a step in the right direction, the reason for this decline may in fact be the increase in isolation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Montana already has a lot of rural areas, and increasing isolation will make it difficult for people to report such crimes.
However, Lewis and Clark County has already seen a steady increase in the number of reported cases. Law enforcement agencies and advocates view the statistics as a sign that people now understand the importance of reporting such crimes and trust the police enough to allow them to get involved in their disputes. It also makes it easier to catch the perpetrators.
How do the police deal with such reports?
The Am J Public Health study was conducted on this topic and released back in 2003. The study reported that 77 percent of domestic violence-related homicides occur upon separation and there is a 75 percent increase in violence upon separation for at least two years.
This shows that the time the victim leaves is often the most dangerous for the victim, police officers, and any other parties involved.
It is the policy of the Lewis and Clarke County Department to always respond with at least one other member of law enforcement. This can be any member of law enforcement such as another deputy, a Montana Highway Patrol soldier, a game observer, or any other sworn officer. They also educate and encourage their officers to use de-escalation tactics. This reduces the chances of officers and victims being injured in the process.
Emphasis is placed on treating victims with compassion and empathy. Rather, they work with victims’ advocates, courts, and other agencies to help victims and their families find safety and justice.
Laws regarding accountability for abusers have changed over the years. Now, officers must explain why no arrest is made when answering a domestic violence call. However, domestic violence cases are complex and if the victim chooses not to press charges, not much can be done.
How can the community help?
Attorney Mark Sherman Connecticut Domestic Violence Information Center He weighed the situation and said, “Previously, there was a feeling that ‘this is not my problem’ and ‘this is a private matter’ when it came to domestic violence. However, there has been a shift in mindset in this regard now, and communities are more engaged when it comes to abuse issues. But there is still a lot of work and discussions needed to resolve the problem.”
People need empathy for the victim and a sense of responsibility when it comes to reporting such crimes. If you are comfortable reporting theft or burglary, you should be comfortable reporting domestic violence and sexual assault. You shouldn’t ask why the victim just doesn’t leave the situation, but instead think about how no one deserves to be in such a situation in the first place. Open dialogue and awareness raising in the community should be encouraged.
If you feel that someone around you is being abused, you should contact the authorities immediately. It is better to involve law enforcement agencies than to do things yourself because the situation could escalate.
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