Alcohol consumption, money problems and unresolved disputes have led to a spike in domestic violence in the first five weeks of 2009.

Victim advocate Mary Fox says that the prosecutor’s office so far has filed 15 new domestic battery cases, eight of which were elevated to felonies because of the level of violence and presence of children. That number is more than double the rate during the same time frame in 2009.

“It’s been crazy,” Fox said.

As victim advocate for Cass County, Fox obtains no-contact orders, formulates safety plans for abuse victims and gives moral support. She also helps victims understand the judicial system, outlines their rights as victims and makes them aware of local resources.

Carol Sue Hayworth heads up one such resource. The Domestic Violence Task Force is a non-profit organization that offers a 24/7 hotline for victims of both physical and verbal abuse. The group handled nearly 200 calls in 2009 and averaged one new victim a week. And the calls for help keep coming in, Hayworth says.

Hayworth attributes the recent rise in violence to the economy. People have lost their jobs. Living on unemployment may not be enough to make ends meet so stress levels are high. The situation can become volatile, she said.

“It makes sense that domestic violence is occurring more rapidly and more frequently here in Cass County due to the loss of jobs,” Hayworth said.

Both the Logansport Police Department and Cass County Sheriff’s Department have investigated domestic battery cases that involved what police say is a heightened level of violence. LPD detective Rob Smith says there is no “rhyme or reason” as to why recent cases have resulted in more serious injuries to the victims.

“Domestic violence is a touchy issue because you don’t know at what point it’s going to escalate into something beyond just simple assault,” Smith said.

Smith blames the age-old instigators of jealousy and the influence of alcohol.

In an attempt to protect victims, the Domestic Violence Task Force, which is run by a board of directors that include police officers, pastors, a registered nurse, bankers and retirees, offers a safe house in Logansport, as well as a support group.

A victim and her children can stay at the safe house for up to 48 hours, a cooling off period that gives a woman time to figure out her next move. If that is not enough time, the person can be housed for up to four months at a safe house in Kokomo, says Hayworth.

The safe house in Logansport is fully furnished and has toiletries and toys. It is in a secret location protected by police.

If an arrest has been made in a case, many victims are fearful of revenge when the alleged perpetrator gets out of jail. To help ensure that does not happen, the prosecution asks for a no contact order as a condition of bond. That means if authorities learn of a phone call or an attempt to meet the victim, the defendant will be jailed on a charge of invasion of privacy.

“Those aren’t always going to stop everybody but at least you try to get some sort of intervention started,” Smith said.

Since many women are afraid to report domestic abuse, local authorities encourage victims to attend counseling, which can be done before action from police or the courts.

The Domestic Violence Task Force offers a support group that discusses how to safely get out of an abusive relationship. The group also instills in victims that they have value and worth, Hayworth said.

In 2009, 209 women participated in the support group, which is held at the safe house in Logansport. Those women brought a total of 104 children. A babysitter is provided.

Both Fox and Hayworth believe the problem of domestic violence should be addressed through awareness of how to detect signs of abuse, how to intervene and where to get help.

“I think we’re the best kept secret in Cass County because nobody likes to talk about domestic violence,” Hayworth said.

Fox said the issue was one everyone should be concerned about.

“If people aren’t outraged by domestic violence, they aren’t paying attention,” she said.

• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.



Local resources

Domestic Violence Task Force for 24-hour hotline shelter placement, transportation and weekly meetings for support — 574-722-2119

Sexual Abuse Victim Empowerment, or S.A.V.E., for a professionally led, free group for adult female victims of sexual abuse — 574-737-7246

Cass County Prosecutor's Office to report abuse and to develop a safety plan with victim advocate Mary Fox — 574-753-7790

Division of Family Resources for food stamps, Medicaid and Hoosier Health Wise insurance program — 1-800-403-0864

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance — 574-753-4666

Salvation Army for help with food, clothes and some limited funds — 574-722-1979

Eel Township trustee for help with rent, utilities, food or other essentials — 574-753-3680

Legal Aide for numerous legal functions, such as restraining orders — 800-382-7581

El Puente is local Hispanic resource center — 574-753-7450

Mexican consulate for numerous functions for Hispanic families — 317-951-0005

Area Five for its many assistance programs — 574-722-4451

Emmaus Mission Center, 829 Spencer St., for food and shelter — 574-739-0107

Family Service Association of Howard County for free domestic violence counseling and a shelter — 800-725-8177

Logansport Police Department — 574-753-4101

Cass County Sheriff's Department — 574-753-7800

Indiana State Police — 765-473-6666