October is Domestic Violence awareness month. The Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) is taking advantage of the observance to inform the public about resources available to anyone affected by domestic violence.
Kristen Middleton, executive director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center in New Mexico, said the organization, “provides advocacy, case management, education, and community outreach services when interpersonal violence occurs.”
The DVRC also works to prevent abuse and restore the strength and dignity of the human spirit, according to a KOAT report.
“DVRC works to stabilize families, ending the cycle of domestic violence, permanently," Middleton said.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical domestic violence, and “every situation is absolutely unique," Middleton said.
She said the first step to escaping domestic violence is deciding to find help, which can be difficult, but necessary to avoid tragedy.
Maurice Lacey had been charged with domestic violence numerous times before the 64-year-old was arrested Oct. 24 for shooting his wife in the break room of a Walmart, according to KOAT.
"It's important to report violent cases to the police,” Middleton said. “If you don't do that, you're making yourself even more susceptible to danger."
The DVRC works with other organizations and law enforcement to offer help.
"We respond to field calls with Albuquerque police where there are active domestic violence disputes occurring,” Middleton said. “We help you make a safety plan. New Mexico Legal Aid, the Rape Crisis Center, Albuquerque SANE, and Para Los Niños. All of these sister organizations can potentially help victims.”
The Albuquerque Police Department told KOAT that creating a domestic violence unit is a “long-term goal,” held back by a lack of staffing. The department is currently in the process of selecting and training 50 officers to be part of the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART).
The APD recently received $150,000 as part of a Law Enforcement Violent Crime Victim Assistants award, KOAT reported. The money will go toward DART, which will provide immediate community-based services on the scenes of domestic violence incidents.
“The grant funds are being used to supply the field officers in DART with iPads to facilitate on-scene communication with the Domestic Violence Resource Center advocates through a Zoom meeting,” the APD said in a statement. “The grant will also support the hiring of a part-time temporary employee to serve as the liaison between DART officers, victims, and advocates through the DVRC.”
Though domestic violence has gotten more awareness in recent years, Middleton said there needs to be more attention on the issue.
“We've come so far since the 60s, thank goodness,” she said. “But we're still not there yet because we've got to eradicate it."
