logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
commentary
October 5, 2023
Generally Speaking

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to acknowledge survivors and to serve as a voice for those who are being victimized. As Oklahoma is plagued by domestic violence more than almost any other state, it is crucial that we recognize its pervasiveness and what we can do to stop these horrific incidents.

In the 10 years that I served on the Tulsa Family Safety Center Board, one of the most striking things I learned about domestic violence is that it does not discriminate. Domestic violence affects people in all walks of life, regardless of age, social status, race, gender or political affiliation.

In the next five minutes, approximately 100 victims in the U.S. will be physically abused by an intimate partner. The number of these victims from Oklahoma will be disproportionately high. A 2023 report by the World Population Review indicates our state has the highest rate of domestic violence in the nation. While that study is based on data several years old, there is no disputing Oklahoma has a grave problem with domestic violence. Approximately 40 percent of Oklahoma women and 38 percent of men have been or currently are being abused physically. We also have the second-highest rate of the number of women killed by men.

The repercussions of domestic violence can span generations. No child should suffer the lifelong consequences of trauma from witnessing an episode of domestic abuse. In Oklahoma, however, children are present at 30 percent of all domestic homicide cases.

The best way to stop these tragic scenarios is to work together. In September, my office hosted the Partners for Change Conference, which focused on domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. State and tribal officials, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates and allied professionals met to discuss effective strategies to enhance safety for victims and to end domestic violence.

In the Office of the Attorney General, the Victim Advocacy and Services Unit provides several programs to serve domestic violence victims.

These include:

• The Victim Information Notification Everyday program provides information about inmate custody status in county jails and state prisons. Victims can receive notification about booking and release dates at no cost.

• The Address Confidentiality Program protects the physical address of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and child abduction.

• The SAFELINE 24/7 hotline provides victims with information about immediate action that should be taken, social services and legal remedies. The hotline is toll free at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).

• The Oklahoma Victim Advocates Academy is a week-long course of study for crime victim service providers new in their careers.

• Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking Program Certification ensures that 35 victim services agencies and programs are properly certified.

My office also oversees the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. This panel reviews domestic violence-related fatalities and works to prevent future deaths by identifying gaps in prevention and protection, and it recommends improvements in the state’s coordinated response to domestic violence.

Oklahomans cherish the family. For far too many, however, domestic violence can make family a source of pain and fear. The collaborative work taking place in Oklahoma is aligned to combat our epidemic of domestic violence. That work will, and must, continue. It is a matter of life and death.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
A: Main, News...
Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
this is a test
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, News...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
this is a test
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
this is a test
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
this is a test
Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
this is a test
Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
this is a test
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
this is a test
News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
this is a test
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
News
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy