‘Health epidemic’: Domestic violence cases up
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A renewed call for action and help comes in the wake of what the Kent County prosecutor called a “domestic violence homicide.”
On Friday, 25-year-old Ruby Garcia’s body was found on the side of the freeway in Grand Rapids with apparent gunshot wounds.
Man admitted to shooting woman, leaving body beside freeway, records show
While addressing the media Tuesday about the charges Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 25, now faces, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said the domestic violence case was not uncommon.
“Through the investigation, it is apparent that he and the victim, Ruby, were in a romantic relationship,” he said. “So this is another case of a domestic violence homicide that we’ve seen, quite frankly, far too often over the last few years.”
In 2022, Becker’s office recorded 1,610 domestic violence cases — up 302 from the year before, an increase of nearly 25%.
“The key thing is to try and seek that help,” Becker said. “There are other people out there who are in your situation that can guide you through the process. That may make you more comfortable. And then filing a report down the road.”
Family: Woman found dead on highway loved to make people laugh
The prosecutor’s office and several domestic violence support agencies across the county have worked for nearly a decade to create the Domestic Violence Action Network. The organization addresses the complexity of domestic violence from a holistic point of view, with law enforcement, health and housing support made more accessible.
“The amount of domestic violence that we’re seeing right now is a huge health epidemic,” said Rachel VerWys, CEO of Safe Haven Ministries. “And unfortunately, the amount of resources that we’re allocating to provide support to those experiencing domestic violence right now are being threatened to be reduced.”
DVAN secured $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2022, and its newly-hired executive director started this week.
“Having health care, the criminal justice system, social services, the business community, our educational institutions come together to create solutions is the purpose of the Domestic Violence Action Network,” VerWys said.
Grant supports domestic abuse housing program expansion
Safe Haven Ministries’ annual numbers also show an increase in calls for help, according to VerWys. Its crisis contact data shows 3,306 calls in 2023, up nearly 500 from the year before.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a huge surge in domestic violence homicides. And that is painful for us to grapple with, as a community,” VerWys said.
In addition to DVAN, Kent County is in the process of creating another specialty court that solely focuses on domestic violence cases. VerWys said that court should be up and running no later than this summer, while court positions to staff the necessary elements will be listed shortly.
“So having a specialty court brings more concentrated resources around the complexity of domestic violence,” she said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
