Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Article: Domestic Violence rises during holidays

A woman is stabbed several times in her trailer home. She told police her husband; Michael Graham did it before setting the home, with her inside, on fire.

Tulsa Police say the incident happened just before 2:30 Tuesday morning.

Police told us just after ten Tuesday night they arrested Graham.

Her children told FOX23, she suffered a broken nose and could’ve died if she had not pretended to be dead.

Domestic Violence cases are known to spike during the holidays.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services Executive Director Tracey Lyall doesn’t know what triggered Graham to assault his wife but she said the stress of the holidays increases the risk for abuse.

"Anytime you introduce financial stress, work stress or any type of stress in a relationship where there is already propensity for violence,” she said. “There’s going to be an increased risk for violence."

Lyall has seen how things can get so bad that they can spiral out of hand.

In fact, statistics show during the holiday’s domestic violence can increase by nearly three times.

"If they feel like tension is building at home and they know and onslaught of violence that’s possible they give us a call," said Lyall.

Lyall said the three biggest contributing factors for abuse are substance abuse, unemployment, and having access to weapons to harm their partners.

"Friends and family can also call and talk to an advocate and get some options on how to help,” Lyall told FOX23.

She said domestic abuse has been consistently high all year.

If you are in a situation like this there people that can help you get out in a safe way.

You can call DVIS at (918) 585-3163.

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