MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations has released new information about domestic violence in the state of Tennessee.
It’s an issue that has been a problem in Shelby County for years.
The study focused on 2013 through 2015, and provides a comprehensive look at the state as a whole.
Overall, reports of the crime are up slightly compared to last year.
“I think for a lot of people it’s just easier to take the occasional punch and just keep your mouth shut versus making it public and going to the authorities and making that person angry,” said Taylor Johnson.
This is what Johnson doesn’t want to happen.
A domestic violence survivor and single mother, she started the Memphis Single Parents Network, which also helps victims of abuse.
Looking at the numbers released Monday by the TBI there are many who need help.
The TBI crunched data and found a little more than 232,000 incidents were reported to law enforcement.
About 68% were simple assaults which includes slaps, punches or kicks.
The 14-page study concluded women are three times more likely to be victimized than men.
The TBI analyzed the relationship between offenders and victims as well as the types of injuries sustained.
One of the most sobering stats: homicide.
The TBI said domestic violence resulted in 276 murders over the study’s three year period.
“All preventable, completely preventable,” said Johnson.
“We would encourage law enforcement agencies and residents to look at these reports and ask some tough questions about particular communities doing everything they can to address these types of crimes in our communities,” said Josh DeVine, a spokesperson with the TBI.
Johnson hopes to get a conversation started.
“Let’s shine a light on this because abusers are looking forward to you being quiet. They bank on your silence.”
The Memphis Single Parents Network will be meeting Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Discovery Playground at Shelby Farms Park.
To view the study in it’s entirety click here: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/topic/crime-statistics
