39 people died at the hands of intimate partner violence in Minnesota in 2023, which represents the most in more than three decades of tracking these types of cases, according to a report from Violence Free Minnesota.
The report didn’t state any specific reason for the increase, but they did note that they came from a variety of different situations. Some were killed by a former romantic partner, others were killed while trying to intervene in a domestic violence situation, while other homicides occurred during sex work.
“At the same time as violent crime is dropping in Minnesota and around the country … this is the highest rates that we’ve had,” said Guadalupe Lopez, Violence Free Minnesota’s executive director.
The previous high for intimate partner violence was 37 in 2013. Minnesota averaged 26 such fatalities between 2013 and 2022.
Domestic Violence In Minnesota
The report is certainly concerning, especially when you consider that Minnesota approved a $32 million increase for crime victim services last year that was supposed to be distributed over 2023 and 2024. According to Violence Free Minnesota, the funding increase was actually much less, and they’ve been battling budget constraints for the last decade.
“We haven’t actually had a significant increase in our budgets in 10 years,” said Jess Palyan, Violence Free Minnesota policy program manager.
It is important to remember that you have options if you find yourself in a domestic violence situation. You can reach out to Violence Free Minnesota or Cornerstone for domestic violence services, or you can call the national Domestic Violence hotline at (800) 799-7233.
Of course, we also offer assistance if you or someone you know has been unjustly charged with domestic violence or a related charge. Don’t get us wrong, we stand firmly behind domestic violence victims, but oftentimes these situations can turn into a he said, she said situation, and you need to have a professional in your corner if you want the truth to come out. If you need legal assistance for a domestic violence related issue or for a different criminal matter, set up a free case review with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm, Give our firm a call today at (952) 224-2277.
