Posted: July 14, 2010 10:13 PM
Authorities say over the past couple weeks there has been a sharp spike in domestic homicides across the Valley, something they hope is not a trend.
Tuesday night a woman in Lauderdale County was shot and killed by her husband after trying to leave his home. Also a Tennessee deputy was shot twice in Lawrence County after responding to a domestic violence call. He entered the home was shot, then returned fire killing the suspect. Authorities say if the deputy had not entered the home, the suspect's wife would be dead.
Over the weekend in Jackson County a man shot the pregnant woman he was living with. She remains in critical condition. There was also a murder suicide in Limestone County. A man killed his ex-wife's new boyfriend, then himself. Last week in South Huntsville there was another domestic murder suicide.
"I'm horrified by what we've experienced in our community and in the area over the past couple of weeks," said Bill Farris who work with Crisis Services of North Alabama.
Farris says Huntsville police respond to an average of 350 domestic calls a month.
"It goes on all the time. So for me, it's not will something like this happen, it's simply when and who will be hurt?" said Farris.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Roger Rinn says several factors can trigger domestic violence.
"During times of economic crisis, for example, there are more aggressive attacks, more violent crimes and you also have more suicides," said Dr. Rinn.
He says things like substance abuse and financial stress can intensify the violence.
"Slapping, hitting, pinching, kicking those kinds of things can be precursors to killing somebody," said Rinn.
Dr. Rinn urges victims to get out of the relationship as soon as physical aggression starts. Bill Farris agrees and says domestic violence is a pattern of behavior.
"It's a crime and there's no excuse. In fact I think there's less excuse for this kind of violence than I can imagine. It's just horrifying," said Farris.
Experts say there is no excuse for domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call Crisis Services of North Alabama' at (256) 716-1000. For more information and addition help lines and services go to Http://www.csna.org/
Reporter: Stephanie Beecken – sbeecken@waaytv.com
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