October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sadly, on October 26, Kelly Allen died after a violent struggle with her former boyfriend. During the fight her home was set on fire, the former boyfriend died, and a family friend sustained life-threatening injuries.
Comments left in this newspaper show that Kelly left behind people who cared about her and others who also cared about the person who is said to have been responsible for Kelly’s death. Domestic violence clearly creates ripple effects that affect more than the immediate people involved. The impact is felt by entire communities.
Domestic violence is a serious issue in Fallon, in Nevada, and across the country. It knows no geographical boundaries. Last year, Fallon’s Domestic Violence Intervention (DVI) agency served 400 victims. Churchill County’s law enforcement agencies responded to 129 domestic violence calls in 2019.
When this kind of tragedy occurs, it can be shattering to a community. Many people wonder how this could have happened here. Some step up to mourn the victim, others gather in support of the person responsible. Still others may look for someone to blame. Some may blame law enforcement, laws, or the courts. Others may seek to blame the victim, pointing to them and asking why they did not leave or “Why didn’t they follow through on the protection order?”
The reality is domestic violence is a complex issue with no simple answer. Research shows that leaving a violent relationship is one of the leading risk factors for domestic violence homicide. Often, filing for a protection order and taking other protective measures can increase the risk of violence for a victim.
As we mourn the senseless and unnecessary tragedy of Kelly Allen’s death, we can take some comfort in knowing that all of us can have a role in stopping domestic violence and supporting victims. As a community we are part of the solution. Developing a coordinated community response to domestic violence is the beginning of creating the necessary safety measures to help families experiencing violence and supporting victims to safety. Visualizing and creating a coordinated response allows all of us to excel at the part we play. It takes the entire community to hold perpetrators accountable, create support for victims and their families and change the conditions which bring forth this type of personal and community tragedy.
So, I’m asking that our law enforcement, health care providers, social service agencies, educators, business leaders, faith groups and caring community members come together to help each other end domestic violence in Churchill County.
Domestic Violence Intervention provides shelter, advocacy, support groups, and 24-hour crisis line services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Churchill County. The phone number is 775-427-1500.
Karen Moessner is the Executive Director of Churchill County’s Domestic Violence Intervention (DVI) program.
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