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Domestic violence a problem in Incline
October 18, 2006
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Well, we made the top five. As the nation celebrates October as domestic violence awareness month, it was reported that Nevada ranks fifth in the nation for domestic violence-related deaths.
Here in the basin, we've heard about a few prominent cases lately.
There was Julie Lacke in Tahoe City who was hit and strangled to death by her boyfriend before he lit himself on fire in his Ford Explorer. And then there was Susan Rizk from the South Shore who narrowly escaped death after her boyfriend stabbed her multiple times with a 24-inch sword.
And what about in Incline? No domestic violence-related deaths reported recently - but there are certainly many cases of domestic violence reported each year. More than you may think.
In 2005, there were 169 victims of domestic violence in Incline Village. For those of you who think domestic violence is only a problem in poor, immigrant communities, only 25 percent of the 169 victims were Hispanic. The majority of domestic violence victims in Incline Village are caucasian.
"This is an issue in our community," said Tahoe Women's Services executive director Karen Edwards, "and people don't even know it's a problem here."
It is a problem here, just like anywhere else, and 169 local victims last year is 169 too many. Domestic violence should not be tolerated in our community.
There are many ways that we, as a community, can combat this problem.
First, we need to understand what domestic violence is.
People think of domestic violence as a husband battering a wife, but verbal, emotional and financial abuse can be more painful than physical abuse itself. Domestic violence includes emotional and economic abuse, coercion, threats and isolation. It is a pattern of coercive and assaultive behavior used to establish power and control over another person. Domestic violence is about maintaining control.
Talk about it.
We need to get the word out that domestic violence is a problem here in our community. We need to understand what domestic violence is and watch for the signs among our friends and neighbors.
Know the signs and pay attention to them.
Physical and verbal abuse, disrespect, sexual violence, isolation, harassment, economic control, threats and intimidation are all signs of domestic violence.
We, at the Bonanza, encourage the community to work together to stop domestic violence, because we know Tahoe Women's Services cannot do it alone.
This week, we encourage you to start making a difference by participating in upcoming Tahoe Women's Services fundrasiers.
• Saturday Oct. 21
Make a Difference Day
The Americorps with Tahoe Women's Services, will be having a Safe House Drive from noon to 5 p.m. for Make a Difference Day. The drive will be held at Safeway in Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Truckee, Raley's in Incline and Albertsons in Truckee. Non perishable food items and cleaning supplies would be greatly appreciated. Call (775) 298-0162 for more information.
• Friday Oct. 27
Violence awareness event
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Tahoe Women's Services is celebrating peace by having an event from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Lake Tahoe Conference Center in Kings Beach. Several guest speakers and free food and music will be provided. Join TWS and learn about domestic violence and what you can do to stop of the cycle of violence in our communities. For more information call (775) 298-0162.
• Saturday Nov. 4
TWS chocolate festival
Tahoe Women's Services 18th Annual Chocolate Festival from 7 to 10 p.m. at the North Lake Tahoe Conference Center in Kings Beach. The evening will include samplings of chocolate desserts, wine tasting, silent and live auctions, and entertainment. Tickets are available for $40 in advance and $50 at the door, all proceeds benefit Tahoe Women's Services. 21 and over, cocktail attire suggested. Call (775) 298-0010 or visit www.tahoewomenservices.org for tickets.
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