Despite Spate of High-Profile Domestic Violence Incidents, No Evidence Of A Worsening Trend

(KNSI) – Domestic violence deaths have helped push St. Cloud to a record number of homicides this year, and affected other local communities.

Anna Marie’s Alliance Executive Director Charles Hempeck says headlines like murder-suicides or the recent double homicide that killed a mother and her unborn baby can be scary, but they aren’t indicative of a trend, either statewide or in central Minnesota.

He digs into the Violence Free Minnesota numbers. “Two years ago, in 2023, the number was up to 41 individuals who lost their life due to domestic violence homicide. They just came out with a number for 2024, which was 24 individuals [statewide]. It’s hard to pinpoint what the trend is and why the numbers fluctuate.”

Hempeck says domestic violence is a big problem with a lot of little solutions. He recommends that people start with their own personal relationships, then focus on family and friends, and finally on neighbors, before moving on to public policy.

Local advocates say combustible relationships don’t happen overnight. Director of Development and Communications Lori Eich notes that if red flags develop too early, there is no anchor that traps the victim in a cycle of abuse. “A lot of stories that we hear about start in this great environment, in this great relationship, and then the pieces of manipulation and control start to happen slowly over time. And, so, it’s hard for someone who’s in that relationship sometimes to see that change happening.”

Last month, a woman and her unborn baby were killed at an apartment complex in east St. Cloud by a partner whom she had multiple restraining orders out against. There have also been high-profile murder-suicides in Pierz, which involved former Sauk Rapids-Rice School District teachers, and Waite Park earlier this year.

___