~by Greene County sheriff Steve Haupert
Living in rural Iowa, we think that domestic violence does not happen in our peaceful rural culture. We are small communities and we tend to think that this is not happening in our county. As incidents of domestic violence increase from year to year, organizations around the state increase their efforts to put a stop to the violence. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
We have changed our laws, transformed our culture and improved our support services for survivors. We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence homicides by improved training for sheriff’s offices, police departments, prosecutors and advocates. Although we have made progress in reducing violence, one in three women will experience rape, physical violence and / or stalking at the hands of an intimate partner at least once during their lifetime. Every day, three women lose their lives in the United States as a result of domestic violence at the hands of a husband or boyfriend. One in five female high school students reported physical or sexual abuse while on a date. It is reported that one in seven men in Iowa still suffer physical violence at the hands of a significant partner in their lifetime. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence reports that boys who grow up seeing domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partner or children when they become adults.
Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. Ending violence in the home requires vigilance and dedication from every sector of our society. If you are a neighbor, friend, relative or just a concerned bystander, we urge you to make that phone call as we continue to stand alongside advocates, victim service providers, law enforcement, and our criminal justice system as we hold offenders accountable and provide care and support to survivors. We must work to educate our young people to stop violence before it starts.
As we have witnessed in the past few months concerning professional athletes and other persons of prominence, there is still a reluctance to admit that domestic violence occurs in all economic and social classes of today’s society. We must get by the stigma of covering up these criminal acts of violence that may in some way affect the income or tarnish the reputation of an individual or business, including professional sports. A person needs to realize and expect that if you commit an act of domestic violence you will be held accountable.
Recognize the seriousness of the problem here in Greene County. Don’t set aside these statistics and think it won’t affect us. It affects everyone in the county. Abuse escalates over time, occurring more frequently and more violently as the abuser seeks higher levels to maintain control.
Remember there are people that can help. We can be a source to let the person know they are not alone and they have a choice. We can let them know about organizations like ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support at the toll-free help line 1-855-983-4641), who are experienced in the options available and who are here to serve Greene County residents. If you need help or assistance please contact your local sheriff’s office, police department or clergy to connect you with a victim service provider.
