(7-1-24) Domestic violence in Mercer County seems to be a regular occurrence, this past weekend three individuals were arrested.

Haley Bower (31) of Portland was arrested on Friday after stating she planned on ‘blowing someone’s brains out’.

Christopher Anderson (21) and Aaliyah Bruss (22) were both taken into custody on Sunday for an incident that allegedly involved striking and shoving each other. 

Anderson and Bruss

Both were released on bond after an initial court hearing today. Anderson has a July 11th and Brussels has a July 17th Celina Municipal Court hearing.

Domestic violence seems to be rising in the U.S.

Key aspects of domestic violence in the US:

Trends:

  • The overall rate of domestic violence declined by 63% between 1994 and 2012, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
  • However, recent years have seen some increases. For example, the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported a 9% increase in contacts between 2019 and 2020.

COVID-19 Impact:

  • Many cities reported significant increases in domestic violence calls during lockdowns.
  • For instance, Portland, Oregon saw a 22% increase in arrests related to domestic violence in the weeks following stay-at-home orders.

Contributing Factors:

  • Economic stress is a major factor, with unemployment and financial insecurity often correlating with higher rates of domestic violence.
  • Substance abuse is frequently linked to domestic violence incidents.
  • Intergenerational cycles of violence can perpetuate the problem.

Barriers to Reporting:

  • Fear of retaliation from the abuser
  • Economic dependence on the abuser
  • Concern for children’s well-being
  • Distrust of law enforcement
  • Cultural or religious stigma

Potential Solutions:

  • Increased funding for shelters and support services
  • Enhanced training for law enforcement and healthcare providers
  • Prevention programs targeting youth and at-risk populations
  • Improved legal protections for survivors
  • Economic empowerment programs for survivors