Domestic Violence is on the Rise in Oklahoma. There’s Still Hope.
A new DVFRB report uncovered some unsettling trends about violence in our state.
Kedrick Nettleton, Community Engagement Manager
Shining a Light
Knowing the scope of the problem we face is absolutely essential.
When we at The Spring are coordinating our priorities and creating plans to fight abuse and trafficking, we rely on data provided by the Oklahoma state government, specifically the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. This office, under the purview of the Oklahoma Attorney General, exists to "reduce the number of domestic violence-related deaths by identifying gaps in the domestic violence prevention and protection system." Each year, they submit their findings and write recommendations for state legislators to take action.
Last month, the DVFRB released their report from 2024, compiling the data they gathered throughout 2023. The numbers shine a light on a few troubling trends that service providers like The Spring – and their supporters – have to be aware of. You can read the full report here, but in case you don't have time, here are three main takeaways that you should know as you partner with us in our goal to create communities free from domestic violence.
DV-related deaths in Oklahoma have never been higher.
The numbers in this year's report are striking, to say the least. The review board reported 122 DV-related homicide victims in 2023 – the highest number since they began collecting this data in 2002. This year's report also marks five consecutive years where the DVFRB has identified more than 100 victims who were killed due to domestic violence in Oklahoma.
No matter how you slice the data, the picture it paints is clear: the epidemic of domestic violence is worsening within our state. Five-year averages for DV-related deaths are rising; the total number of intimate partner homicide deaths in 2023 is higher than ever before. The number of victims in family killings likewise increased.
We'll talk more about how to respond to these bleak numbers below, but the first step is to acknowledge them. Hope for the future doesn't mean ignoring the facts of the present, and The Spring is clear-eyed about the reality of the situation we're facing in Oklahoma. Domestic violence is on the rise, and people are losing their lives to it.
We need a better system for the youngest victims of violence.
In addition to compiling yearly fatality statistics, the DVFRB provides several formal recommendations to state legislators. This year, their very first recommendation concerned young victims:
"In response to the increased number of children and caregivers impacted by family violence-related homicide, the Oklahoma Legislature should appropriate $850,000 to fund a statewide program focused on providing direct, trauma-informed services, such as specialized case management and therapy, to children, adolescents, and their caregivers, who have been impacted by intimate partner violence."
You may remember that we recently posted about the desperate need for services targeted towards younger human trafficking survivors, but this year's DVFRB report makes it clear that there's a gap for minors everywhere. At The Spring, we provide many services listed in the recommendation for victims and their children, such as therapy and case management, but the need is much greater than one shelter can handle. As a state, we simply must do better for children impacted by this horrible violence.
It’s going to take all of us — and legislators must act.
Service providers for survivors of domestic violence play a vital role, providing hands-on care for those seeking safety. But this year's DVFRB report makes it clear that real, sustained action has to begin at the legislative level. Our legislators really do help shape our state's priorities, and their actions trickle down to all levels of the system: law enforcement, local agencies, and even nonprofit service providers like us.
We will continue to advocate for legislation that cares for survivors and reduces barriers to prosecuting abusers and traffickers. You can make your voice heard, too. Contact your representatives and let them know how important these issues are to you. Make sure they understand that reducing violence is a priority for their constituents.
We are truly stronger together, and it's only through collaboration that real action is taken.
Keeping Hope Alive
We know how easy it can be to get discouraged when you see numbers like those in the 2024 report, but we want to come to the conversation with hope. Don't let these statistics stop you! We hope they'll motivate you to keep leaning in, taking action, and advocating for those in our communities who are most vulnerable. Grief and mourning are perfectly understandable responses — but let them lead to action.
We dream of seeing a day when domestic violence and human trafficking are gone from Oklahoma. We're going to continue to work towards this future every single day.
Will you join us?
The Spring is a shelter, service provider, and advocacy organization for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. We offer a safe home and supportive services that assist victims and their children on their journey out of abuse. The Spring has helped thousands of victims from many different situations move into more stable situations and restore their identity through Christ’s love and grace. For more information, visit www.thespringok.org.
If you or someone you know needs help escaping domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking or stalking, please dial 911 or call our 24/7 hotline at 918-245-4075. You can also consider joining the fight against abuse in Oklahoma by donating or exploring volunteer opportunities.