DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MOST FREQUENTLY COMMITTED CRIME

(06/04/2008)
Domestic violence is the most frequently committed crime in Calhoun and many West Virginia counties.

Because of the social stigma and privacy laws, domestic violence incidents often remain hidden from the public.

One person dies every 13 days in West Virginia in a domestic violence related death.

Domestic violence related incidents generate the highest numbers received by Calhoun's 911 center.

A recent WV study shows that women in the Mountain State are more likely to be victims of violent-related homicide, while the men who commit the violent acts are more likely to kill themselves afterward.

The study is reviewing 39 domestic homicides, with the state ranking near the top in the nation when it comes to the number of domestic violence deaths.

Lori Fleagle with the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) says about 300 domestic violence cases are reported to her agency in Calhoun every year, an average over 14 years.

"There is much to be done with public education," she said, helping the abused and the abuser to get help.