logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • lifestyle
  • commentary
  • Obituaries
  • Calendar
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Form Submission / Advertise
    • advertisers pay now
    • News
    • Sports
    • lifestyle
    • commentary
    • Obituaries
    • Calendar
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Form Submission / Advertise
      • advertisers pay now
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.

Honey Springs to host a Civil War Christmas
News
Honey Springs to host a Civil War Christmas
December 7, 2023
The annual Civil War Christmas program will return to Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center near Checotah on Saturday, December 9, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This family-friendly event will inclu...
this is a test
Ernest James Sumner
Obituaries
Ernest James Sumner
December 7, 2023
Ernest “Ernie” James Sumner, 86, of Checotah, Oklahoma passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He was born September 17, 1937, in Claremore to Grover and Iva (Hester) Sumn...
this is a test
News
OESC empowers veterans with comprehensive employment services
December 7, 2023
Personalized programs and resources foster meaningful careers in Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – In observance of Veterans Day this pst weekend, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is sharing ...
this is a test
2023 Ring-Necked Pheasant Hunting Season Outlook
Sports
2023 Ring-Necked Pheasant Hunting Season Outlook
December 7, 2023
Ring-necked pheasants remain a popular upland game species among Oklahoma hunters. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation monitors the pheasant population by conducting two annual surveys: s...
this is a test
Lake Eufaula Fishing Report
Sports
Lake Eufaula Fishing Report
December 7, 2023
November 24. Elevation is 1.5 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 55°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, and ...
this is a test
High School State Championship Scores
By 6A1 Bixby 49 Jenks 21 
December 7, 2023
6AII Muskogee 28 Stillwater 26 5A Carl Albert 35 Del City 14 4A Blanchard 19 Wagoner 14 Class 3A Lincoln Christian 48 Heritage Hall 28 2A Semi Millwood 34 Kiefer 29 Washington 35 Jones 34 Class A Semi...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Sports
Remembering Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2023
December 7, 1941 At 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, a Japanese dive bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings appears out of the clouds above the island of Oahu. A swarm of 360 Japa...
this is a test
News
Cowboys to play Texas A&M in TaxAct Texas Bowl
December 7, 2023
The Oklahoma State football team makes its second appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl when it takes on Texas A&M at 8 p.m. CT on December 27 at NRG Stadium. It will be OSU’s fourth bowl game played in...
this is a test
Sports
Bulldogs bite Ironheads in season opener
By DAVID SEELEY SPECIAL TO THE INDIAN JOURNAL 
December 7, 2023
MULDROW -- The Muldrow High School basketball teams opened their 2023-24 basketball seasons successfully as they swept the visiting Eufaula squads Tuesday night at Roger Sharp Activity Center. The Lad...
this is a test
Sports
Hunting Seasons
December 7, 2023
DEER Deer Archery Oct 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun Dec 18, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 ELK Holiday Antlerless Elk Gun Dec 18, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 ANTELOPE Antelope Gun (doe only, draw on...
this is a test
News
Court Report
December 7, 2023
McIntosh County District Court Report Felony Cases Alysia Marie Anderson: falsely personate another to create liability Twanna Almeda Coz: bringing contraband into jail/penal institution Misdemeanor C...
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