Report: More Domestic Violence Education Needed

HARTFORD (AP) — Few actions were taken to prevent many of the 18 domestic violence deaths in Connecticut in 2010, despite warning signs that the victims faced potential harm, according to a report released Tuesday that called for more public education about the issue.

The report was compiled by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, which includes victims’ relatives, victim advocates, police, prosecutors and social service providers.

The committee said the rate of domestic violence homicide in the state remains steady, despite increasing public awareness of the problem and more professional training to deal with it.

“In every case reviewed, family members, friends, and/or professionals were not fully aware of the escalating circumstances between the perpetrator and the victim,” the report said. “These individuals did not recognize the significance of the situation or the warning signs.

“There seemed to be a lack of any immediate referrals and/or interventions focusing on safety for victims and treatment for perpetrators,” the report said.

Karen Jarmoc, interim executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said potential victims and their families, friends and co-workers need to be aware of the warnings signs for harm and develop safety plans. She said the signs include escalating violence, threats or breakups in a relationship; court hearings concerning divorce and child custody also can be triggers.

“We just need to communicate to the public what those warning signs are,” Jarmoc said. “I think they’re just not aware of how significant they are. In all of these cases, the warning signs were there, which is what’s frustrating.”

The report also said public education efforts should begin in schools and be available to people with limited English proficiency. In a survey last year by the state Department of Public Health, one in ten students reported being assaulted by their boyfriend or girlfriend.

One of the 2010 victims was 25-year-old Shengyl Rasim of West Haven, whose murder prompted reforms in domestic violence and bail bond laws. She was shot to death by her husband, Selami Ozdemir, hours after Ozdemir was arrested for the second time in four months for domestic violence and posted bail.

The statewide domestic violence hotline is 888-774-2900.