Columbus notes increase in domestic violence-related homicides

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – Those who work to support survivors of domestic violence are always working to save lives, but a recent increase in domestic violence-related homicides in Columbus has them even more concerned.

“It takes me back to a place because I know I could have been one of those numbers,” Marica Phipps-Johnson said.

Phipps-Johnson is a survivor of domestic violence. She knows how difficult it can be to get out of a situation.

“There’s a lot of resources out there but when you’re a victim and a survivor you feel so isolated, you feel so alone,” she said.

Now she does everything she can to make people aware of those resources . She founded Battered Not Broken, a nonprofit which helps domestic violence survivors, about 10 years ago. She said more can be done to reach survivors, and pointed out next month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“That’s one month, out of 12,” she said. “I think there needs to be more commercials, more education, more just really letting people know there are resources out there.”

Phipps-Johnson said what happened late Tuesday night gave her chills. According to police, a man is suspected to have shot and killed his girlfriend and baby before dying by suicide. It was the second fatal domestic violence incident in the city within 24 hours . There have been 19 domestic violence homicides in the city this year, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

“We want people to know we all have to work together in order to help eliminate this issue,” said Dr. Maria Houston-Beck, executive director of LSS Choices.

LSS Choices is Franklin County’s only shelter for domestic violence victims and their kids. Houston-Beck said while capacity can be a challenge, as it is in other parts of the state, help is available.

“What I would like to see continue is us continuing to make people aware of our services, that it does exist,” Houston-Beck said. “If we can increase the education and awareness I think people can feel as though they’re not alone and that they can reach out.”

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) has been tracking the number of domestic violence fatalities statewide for the last nine years.

“It’s a trend that we’re continuing to see that Columbus has far more lethal domestic violence incidents than any other county in Ohio,” Maria York, ODVN’s policy director, said.

And if you are involved in a domestic situation and need help, call the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 614-781-9651 or reach out to your local domestic violence program, which can be found by searching on odvn.org .

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.

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