When Domestic Violence Hit Home

In shock and utter disbelief I saw out of the corner of my eye what appeared to be a hulking man with bulging arm muscles literally pulling a woman out of an apartment, holding her and punching her as she struggled to get away.

My horror continued as I realized there was a car sitting in front of this large apartment house, just watching or so it appeared, along with some neighbors standing outside.

As the community advocate promoting the importance of getting involved when you see a crime of domestic violence committed, I knew I had to react and get involved.

So, I rounded the corner, parked and grabbed my cell phone. As I dialed 911 my anxiety level reached an all-time high. When the dispatcher answered I immediately launched into my need, only to be asked if I was in Marion.

Was I in Marion?  What a silly question I thought.  But I answered yes, which then prompted the dispatcher to connect me to the Marion Police Department.  (Reminder that if you call 911 from a cell phone, make sure the dispatcher knows where you are calling from so they can assist you best and quickest – a statement I always tell the public and victims during presentations, yet forgot in the heat of the moment.)

Anyway, as I talked with dispatch, I did my best to relay what I had witnessed and stress the urgency of getting an officer to the scene to assist the battered woman. I sat in my car and wondered how long it would take. Would the abuser continue to pound his victim? Had anyone else called to report the crime which had spilled into our neighborhood?

There was no doubt what had occurred. No questioning if I heard a scream or call for help. It was clear and vile. It was disturbing and enlightening. It brought to reality the work I do every day because it was happening that moment, in real time, not on an educational video or a crisis call where the incident is reiterated hours, or days, or even months later by the victim.

It was a teachable moment for me that as I reflect back on it, I can only stress and encourage everyone to not hesitate if you suspect domestic violence is going on. Call 911 – let the police do their job by investigating what you suspect.

And, as we near October, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, may anyone who is reading this, pledge to stop the violence in your home, your neighborhood, your workplace and anywhere you see, hear or suspect it.

Anyone who has questions about domestic violence please call Hands of Hope’s 24 hour crisis hotline at 765-664-0701.

And mark your calendars for Hands of Hope’s annual candlelight vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion. The event is free and open to the public.