January is Stalking Awareness Month and advocates said cases of unwanted or repeated surveillance or contact, often alongside intimidation and harassment often go underreported, especially in Ohio s rural counties. Shelby Lieber, survivor coordinator for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said according to the state s incident-based reporting system, agencies reported more than 1,500 cases of stalking related to 8,000 sexual assault incidents last year. Lieber pointed out the complexities around stalking can make reporting incidents to law enforcement difficult. .
A new report finds New York City intimate-partner violence increased almost 30% between 2022 and 2023. The city s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee report says intimate-partner homicides skyrocketed by 225% in Brooklyn and 57% in the Bronx. Nathaniel Fields, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute, said proactively using resources for prevention is a good start. .
An effort is underway in Kentucky to better collect and analyze domestic violence data, with the goal of improving the lives of survivors and their children, and preventing victimization. While data from courts, law enforcement, and state protective services is helpful, it does not always paint an accurate picture or account for underreported cases and the effect on communities. The group ZeroV said in the past five years, its regional shelter programs have provided safe havens and resources for more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children. .
Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say they re working to expand access to these trained professionals who can offer trauma-informed care. Tammy Robertson, statewide director of forensic nursing for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said beyond a medical exam, forensic nurses can provide courtroom testimony, and assist patients in ways other health care professionals typically do not. .