STATE OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
CONTENT WARNING: The subject matter covered in this research includes domestic and sexual violence. Readers should prepare themselves to engage, or if necessary, disengage for their own wellbeing.
The following documents expand on a report, State of Domestic Violence in Douglas County, first published in 2019 featuring local domestic violence data from 2015-2017. The initial report was a collaboration between the Women’s Fund of Omaha, HTI Labs and the Douglas County Domestic Violence Response Team, and used data to follow domestic violence trends. In this edition, the goal is to highlight the process victims may go through when they enter the criminal legal system while also including updated data from 2015 through 2022. We reviewed trends over multiple years to determine factors that may influence domestic violence rates in the county.
Domestic violence is significantly underreported so we cannot know the total number of victims in our community who experience such abuse. And since the data includes only those who have interacted with the criminal legal system, the numbers shown likely underrepresent the prevalence of domestic violence in our community. It is unknown how many additional people experience domestic violence every day.
For more information about domestic violence and the criminal legal system in Douglas County, please review the following research.
In reviewing the data from the agencies in our community who respond to domestic violence incidents, we can begin to understand the scope of abuse locally and how to best intervene to keep victims safe and hold offenders accountable through the criminal legal system. Additional questions about the State of Domestic Violence in Douglas County can be referred to the Women’s Fund by calling 402-827-9280 or emailing Info@OmahaWomensFund.org.
Glossary
The terms below are commonly used within the context of domestic violence and the criminal legal system. Definitions are provided within this specific context, with select additional Nebraska-specific details included. The term “survivor” is used throughout the definitions below to generally refer to individuals who have experienced domestic violence. However, an individual who has experienced domestic violence may identify as a victim, a survivor, or another way, and it is important give an individual the power to define this for themselves in interactions with them. You will find these terms used interchangeably throughout the report with victim being used more notably in and alongside data from the criminal legal system.
Someone who supports a survivor of domestic violence, including offering a listening ear, guidance, resources and helping them navigate the legal system if desired. Survivors may reach out to domestic violence advocacy agencies, family members, friends or community for support.
A program designed to help people who have perpetrated violence in their relationships to learn healthier ways to handle conflicts and build non-abusive relationships.
Legal decisions that find someone guilty at a trial or if someone pleads guilty, even when amended from an original charge. In Nebraska, domestic violence convictions may lead to penalties such as fines, probation or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the individual’s criminal history.
A pattern of abusive behavior in intimate relationships, including physical, emotional, sexual and/or financial abuse, that seeks to control and harm a partner. Domestic violence can also be called domestic abuse or intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is addressed under multiple statutes within Nebraska’s legal framework.
A forensic medical exam is a medical assessment performed by specialized professionals to collect evidence and provide care for survivors of domestic violence. Specific to occurrences that involve sexual violence, the medical exam may be called a “sexual assault forensic medical exam.” These can be conducted by a specialized practitioner called a “sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE).”
Individuals engaged in romantic and/or sexual relationships. Examples include and are not limited to a current or former spouse, people who have a child in common, or a current or former dating relationship. Intimate partners can be of any gender or sexual orientation.
An offender is someone who has committed acts of domestic violence, causing harm to their intimate partner.
A protection order is a legal document that restricts an offender’s contact with a survivor, with the goal of keeping the survivor safe from further harm. There are different types of protection orders in Nebraska, which you can read about in detail here.
Refers to an offender being required to compensate the survivor for damages, losses or expenses resulting from domestic violence.
A legal order that compels a person to provide testimony or evidence, such as records or documents, in a domestic violence case.
Interactions and approaches with people that prioritize understanding and responding to the impact of trauma, including brain processes and behaviors that may be a result of trauma, and ensuring someone’s experiences and needs are considered in providing support and care. This approach is crucial to providing survivors with support, understanding and resources as they navigate the challenges of domestic violence.
A resource that may include details about local resources, emergency contacts and information on where survivors can seek help and support. Victim information cards may be provided by law enforcement, domestic violence service providers, victim assistance units and/or courts.
A legal process where the state pursues charges against an offender to hold them accountable for their actions when the survivor chooses not to pursue legal action and participate in the prosecution.
If you need help right now, please call the 24-hour crisis line at 402-345-7273. This is a bilingual line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get help.