Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Article: Jackson County Domestic Violence-Related Deaths At 12

MEDFORD, Ore. -- The recent shootings has made the number of domestic violence-related deaths in Jackson County to 12.

Over the weekend, Kristy Huddleston was found shot to death in her home. A couple in Eagle Point was also found dead as deputies suspect a murder-suicide.

In the past year, Bonnie Payne was strangled to death, Jordan Criado allegedly killed his wife and four children; Jessica Bethany was stabbed to death and Mikayla Upton was shot before her husband then killed himself. Community works says they see a trend in all of those cases.

"There's a thread that runs through all of them that is about power and control. When someone feels like they're losing control over somebody, they'll do whatever it takes to maintain that," says Anna D'Amato, Community Works victim services director.

D'Amato says that's why it's crucial to not only pay attention to the victim, but the perpetrator.

"What are they saying? Or there's something there that you need to be tuned into, and worry about and then maybe report to the authorities," explains D'Amato.

D'Amato also says there are theories that deaths related to domestic violence could be because of the economy but she believes the reason is bigger than that.

"Women are seen as submissive, and less than a man. And until we change that, I don't know if it's ever going to stop," D'Amato states.

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