Domestic Violence is No “Little Fight”

Domestic Violence is No “Little Fight”

For thousands of North Dakotans, the biggest threat to their health and safety lives in their own home. Every year, thousands of people in our state reach out for help with domestic violence. Thousands more have yet to call for help.

Domestic violence is no “little fight” between a husband and wife. It’s a serious, often life-threatening pattern of abuse that puts the health and safety of men, women, and children at risk. Abusers use physical violence, sexual violence, intimidation, threats, and psychological manipulation to gain complete power and control over their victims, leaving many survivors living in constant fear. Fear for their safety. Fear for their children’s safety. Fear of not surviving the violence. Fear of what comes next if they do.

“As a state and a nation, we must recognize domestic violence for what it is: a deadly crime.” said Seth O’Neill, Executive Director of the North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition. “Domestic violence is not a private matter that happens inside the home. It affects all of us.”

Between 2004-2023 in North Dakota, 40% of deaths due to homicide involved domestic violence. These cases are not only deadly for victims. Domestic violence calls are also among the most dangerous calls for law enforcement to respond to. A majority of officers killed in the line of duty are murdered by men with a history of domestic violence.

Everyone knows someone who has experienced domestic violence, whether we’re aware of it or not. And while we can’t end violence overnight, we encourage every single North Dakotan to be the listening ear, the supportive friend, or the neighbor that helps a survivor in a time of need. Your simple acts can make a difference.

We also echo the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s call to our institutions and elected officials:

“Confront domestic violence for what it truly is: a national crisis, never trivial, never private, and never to be ignored. That means shaping public understanding to reflect the seriousness of the issue, fully funding lifesaving services in every community, investing in prevention to stop abuse before it begins, and strengthening our systems so no survivor is left without safety, dignity, or support. Anything less is a collective failure — of our nation and of us as people.”

By simply recognizing how dangerous domestic violence is, we can help survivors get one step closer to safety.

So no, this is not a “little fight.” But we will keep fighting, together, because we believe in a world without domestic violence. 

With hope for the future,
NDDSVC

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Go to our Find Help page to view a directory of domestic and sexual violence victim advocacy centers and find support near you.