Transitioning Times

Fatality and Domestic Violence Domestic Violence is a life-threatening crime that affects millions of individuals regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or education.   Nationwide, an average of three women are killed by a current or former partner every day.    Advocates who work in the field of domestic violence know the high-risk stakes of the domestic violence situations that they encounter daily.   At Transitions, the first step we take when speaking with a victim contacts us is to safety plan to make sure that the person is not in immediate danger.   We must always be alert to the potential danger that may be present.   This article will explore fatalities in the US and its effects on children; the deaths that have occurred in our service area (Union, Snyder and Northumberland Counties) over the last ten years; and what Transitions is doing to reduce fatalities.   All but one of our deaths was caused by gunshot wounds...

Domestic violence can be lethal.  I say this because we often forget.  Death is a part of the work that we do.   Organizations across the country are implementing Lethality Assessments to help victims plan for their safety based upon indicators of the potential for lethal behavior.  Unfortunately, death can be looming for victims in a variety of ways.  Victims may have suicidal thoughts, and abusers may threaten suicide or death of the victim and/or children.  There may also be drug and alcohol issues for either or both abusers and victims, which can result in death.  No one should have to die, in any manner, because of domestic violence. Statistics vary on how many victims of domestic violence have suicidal ideations, thoughts, or attempts.  One website states that one in four female victims of domestic violence attempt suicide, another study indicates that women who suffer intimate partner violence are 12 times more likely to ...