(Des Moines) Domestic violence has claimed the lives of at least 89 Iowans since 2021. Lindsay Pingel of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence says the state needs more public funding to support victims across the state.
“There is a lack of meaningful investment when it comes to victim services, and domestic violence, ” said Pingel. “Domestic violence is an epidemic.”
Pingel says many victims were women who were shot to death by a spouse or former partner. Forty-year-old Jessica Henderson of Des Moines was fatally shot by an ex-boyfriend Friday, hours after he was released from jail for harassing her.”We can help prevent tragedies like what happened to Jessica, but we have to be comfortable with identifying that domestic violence is happening in our communities, ” said Pingel.
Pingel points out victims’ advocates are available at 25 locations across the state to help. “Setting up safety plans, talking with family possibly getting a second cellphone maybe to store in your home. If you want to engage with the legal system, and advocate can support you through getting a no-contact order.”
