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Courtesy Photo FSSO sponsored a candlelit vigil to honor survivors and victims in 2018.
The world is changing and even rural communities like Marshall County are susceptible to domestic violence. The Madill Record has pointed out multiple Domestic Assault charges and convictions in the last few recent issues of the police blotter.
On August 22, three beloved members of the Madill community had their lives snuffed out because of domestic violence.
On an average, 91 people per year have been domestic violence homicide victims since 2011. That means almost 100 people per year are fatality victims of domestic violence.
The saddest part is the perpetrators of the violence are usually somebody the victim trusts and loves. According to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, 38% of the victims were killed by family members, and 45% were killed by intimate partners.
Not all victims are the perpetrator’s significant other. The report showed that 7% of the victims were part of a love triangle. This is when the ex kills the new love interest, or the ex-lover.
The report coincides with he recent incident in Marshall County. The review board found that 59% of victims’ causes of death was firearms. The recent triple homicide supports that finding.
Unfortunately, there is not an accurate count of living domestic violence victims because many times, it goes unreported. However, there are places that can help a domestic abuse victim.
The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma is a certified domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking agency that offers free services to anyone in need — men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
The organization is located in Ardmore, and even though it primarily serves Carter, Love, Johnston and Murray counties, they will also assist victims in Marshall County.
The advocates will travel to each to any of the five counties if transportation is an issue for the victim.
Each year, FSSO provides services for over 400 men, women and children. These services are free of charge and include a safe shelter a 24-hour emergency assistance, crisis intervention, food and clothing, transportation, and counseling.
Legal and medical advice is offered, as well as support groups and domestic violence education classes.
For more information, contact the Administrative Office at 50-226-3750, visit the website at familyshelterofsouthernok.net , or contact the organization through Facebook.
Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The crisis hotline is 580-226-6424.