Seven Facts To Know About Oklahoma’s Domestic Violence Problem

An Oklahoma City nonprofit works daily to fix a decades-long problem for the state. According to World Population Review, one in every two women will experience it in their lifetime. The YWCA has a mission to change that. 

1. Oklahoma is 2nd in the United States for women murdered by men.  

The Violence Policy Center releases data each year on the violence of men against women. The state has traditionally ranked at or near the bottom in that category. 

“Domestic violence is so pervasive in our community,” said Angela Beatty, vice president of programs and engagement at YWCA OKC. 

2. Nearly half of Oklahoma women will experience violence in their lifetime 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Population Review show about 49 percent of Oklahoma women experience violence from a significant other in their lifetime. Beatty said most people know someone impacted by domestic violence. 

“If you think you’re not affected, open your eyes,” Beatty said. 

3. Children face abuse in domestic violence households 

According to the YWCA more than half of children in homes where domestic violence occurs face abuse. Those children are also at risk of death. 

Children ages five years and younger represent the largest age group of children killed in domestic violence-related incidents in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. 

“It’s heartbreaking,” Beatty said. It’s heartbreaking to hear and to see cases of children who have lost their lives.” 

4. Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board advocates for children 

Beatty serves on the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. She said they are working on legislative priorities at the capitol to expand resources. 

“One of the things that the fatality review board is looking at changing is asking the legislature for funding to create a nonprofit agency specifically children who’ve been left behind after domestic violence,” Beatty said. “We’re really wanting to interrupt those cycles of violence to create safety for families moving forward.” 

5. The YWCA expanded communication Services for Survivors 

The YWCA implemented texting options for younger survivors. Beatty said women between the ages of 18 and 44 are at most risk of interpersonal violence. 

“Now survivors can text any of our hotlines to get assistance to talk to an advocate to get safety planning help,” Beatty said. 

The YWCA also expanded shelter options for people with pets who face abuse in domestic violence relationships. 

6. Beatty says solutions start with acknowledgment  

Beatty said more conversations to identify barriers help close gaps in services. The YWCA is working to bridge gaps for minorities and bring services to rural areas. 

“I think it takes a paradigm shift,” Beatty said. “It’s going to take teachers and educators talking about healthy relationships in middle school.” 

7. Domestic Violence Prevention takes community support 

Beatty said communities must listen to survivors and learn the nuances of domestic violence. She said more awareness helps save lives. 

“I think the thing that keeps me going is being in the room with other people who are committed to making it better,” Beatty said. “It really is gonna take every one of us to stop the problem.”