DES MOINES, IOWA (October 4, 2022) — Twelve people lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in the first eight months of 2022. Nine women and three bystanders were killed as a result of these domestic violence cases.
The twelve deaths in 2022 represent a decrease in the number of domestic violence deaths reported during the same period in 2021 when seventeen deaths were recorded, according to the Domestic Violence Fatality Chronicle. In all, twenty people — fourteen women, four men, and two bystanders — were killed as a result of domestic violence in 2021.
“While the report shows a slight decline in the number of domestic violence deaths in the state through the first eight months of 2022, these tragic deaths are still too many,” said Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, CVAD director.
The report details eight domestic violence events, including shootings at Taboo nightclub in Cedar Rapids and Cornerstone Church in Ames. Four of those included gun violence that resulted in the deaths of seven people: Four domestic violence victims and three bystanders.
“Firearms remain the primary cause of death in domestic-violence homicides,” Tibbetts Murphy said. “Since 1995, 55% of victims in these cases have died via firearm. The tragedies of these immediate deaths continue to ripple through families and communities.”
The Domestic Violence Fatality Chronicle report, issued twice a year since 1995 by the Iowa Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division, details the lives lost to domestic violence in the state of Iowa. The report’s fall release coincides with October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Since 1995, 375 men, women, and bystanders, including minors, have been killed as a result of domestic violence in Iowa. The stories of these victims can be found on the Iowa Attorney General’s website under publications.
There are several domestic violence resources available to Iowans, including:
Iowa Domestic Violence Helpline — 800-770-1650
- Is free and confidential;
- Answers calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;
- Can connect to nearest Iowa programs, which:
- Offer crisis-counseling and safety-planning;
- Refer to shelter and housing assistance;
- Provide legal advocacy; and
- Provide access to community resources.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-SAFE or 799-7233; TTY 800-787-3224; Text Line — Text “START” to 88788
- Free and confidential, available 24/7; and
- Can connect to local resources and programs.
Love is Respect Teen Dating Violence Hotline — 866-331-9474; Text Line — Text “LOVEIS” to 22522
- Free and confidential
- Can connect to local resources, provides information about personal safety, and healthy relationships
