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(Des Moines, IA) -- Domestic violence has claimed the lives of at least 89 Iowans since 2021. That's according to a report released last fall, which shows many were women who were shot to death by a spouse or former partner.
Lindsay Pingel of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence says the most recent example is 40 year old Jessica Henderson of Des Moines.
Henderson was fatally shot by an ex-boyfriend Friday, hours after he was released from jail for harassing her.
Pingel says domestic violence isn't just a criminal justice issue but a public health epidemic that requires more public funding.
She says her organization has 25 victim service centers across the state that need a minimum of $10-million a year to access support and expand survivor resources.
"For individuals, bystanders, and communities, it means taking warning signs seriously, supporting survivors without judgment, and refusing to treat this as a private family matter. For employers, healthcare providers, faith communities — every institution has a role in early intervention. And for all of us, it means understanding why this crisis persists: access to firearms continues to escalate lethality; economic hardship places families at greater risk; reduced resources mean fewer safety options and higher danger; and systemic issues — bias, misclassification, and inconsistent reporting — often undercount or obscure DV-related homicides entirely. Domestic violence is preventable, " said Pingel.
The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence has an online map that shows where victims can receive services across the state. The services are free and confidential, including developing safety plans, help getting no-contact orders and counseling.
Victims can also text "IOWAHELP" to 20121 or call the Iowa Help Line at 1-800-770-1650.