| By Bob Weaver
Domestic violence is the most frequently committed crime in Calhoun and most West Virginia counties.
Because of the social stigma and privacy laws, domestic violence incidents are not generally made public.
One person dies every 13 days in West Virginia in a domestic violence related death.
A recent study shows that women in the Mountain State are more likely to be victims of violent-related homicide, while the men who commit the violent acts are more likely to kill themselves afterward.
That study reviewed 39 domestic homicides, with the state ranking near the top in the nation when it comes to the number of domestic violence deaths.
Lori Fleagle with the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) in Grantsville says about 300 domestic violence cases are reported to her agency in Calhoun every year, an average over 14 years.
216 individuals reached out for help, with about 40 domestic violence petitions filed, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009..
In many of the cases, charges are not brought in the court system or are dropped, often because the victim changes their mind about the problem.
In West Virginia, the law was changed a few years ago that calls for law enforcement to bring domestic charges when they believe a crime has been committed, despite statements by the perpetrator or victim.
Children under the age of 17 are significantly affected by domestic violence, according to the agencies report.
Most domestic violence cases involve women in married relationships.
In 2004-05 in Calhoun County, about 90 of the victims sought medical treatment, with 337 describing emotional abuse and 150 saying they had been physically abused.
About 200 of the physical incidents involved the use of a fist, with about 30 threatening with a firearm and 30 threatening with a knife.
Alcohol or other drugs were involved in about 300 of the incidents.
"There is much to be done with public education," Fleagle said, helping the abused and the abuser to get help.
It is against the law for anyone to:
Hurt you.
Try to hurt you.
Force you to have sex.
Threaten you with weapons.
Harass you on the telephone.
Stalk you.
Destroy things that belong to you.
DART
provides public education, direct
services, and programs related to the issue of
domestic violence.
Direct services are provided to victims of
domestic violence, These services include,
transportation, shelter, clothing, a family
violence hotline, counseling, legal advocacy,
parenting education, information and referrals
to appropriate community resources, along with
public education and training to professional
groups within the community.
All services are free.
If you or someone you love is or have been abused, you can contact the Domestic Abuse Response Team 304-354-9254 or 1-800-794-2335.
See related WV Gazette editorial Horrifying: Domestic murders
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