Lincoln Police say this year three women have been killed in murder-suicides and many more survivors have been severely injured in domestic violence incidents. Police Chief Michon Morrow wants all victims to know that there are resources available to help them out of the abusive situations and into a safe environment.
“Domestic violence is not a private matter, It’s a crime and it is never acceptable,” Morrow says. “It’s an act of power and control and victims are never to blame for the harm inflicted upon them. No one asks for it, no one provokes it and no one deserves it.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Morrow says their Victim Assistance Unit is available to help survivors file protections orders and provide support during the court proceedings.
Natalie Roberts-Day is the executive director of Voices of Hope and said during a Monday morning news conference that their organization supports individuals and families who’ve experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Click here for more information about Voices of Hope.
Lincoln also has an emergency shelter for victims called the Friendship Home. Executive Director Leah Droge says they also provide transitional housing and a variety of services for victims and their children. Droge says they have seen an increase in the number of people they are serving in the past ten years.
“On average, 167 people a day are residing with us in shelter or housing services and that number has tripled in the last 10 years.”
For more information about the services that are available for domestic violence survivors in Lincoln click here.