OKLAHOMA CITY — As domestic violence rates in Oklahoma begin reaching what some are calling a crisis point, state lawmakers and local advocates are working to curb a deadly trend that has plagued the state for decades.
For more than 20 years, Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the top 10 states for domestic violence and domestic-violence related homicides.
According to the most recent state data, an average of 115 people are killed each year in domestic violence incidents and thousands of domestic violence cases are filed with authorities annually.
Now, lawmakers are exploring new legislation and advocacy groups are pushing for increased public awareness during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
State Senator Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City) is leading an interim study on strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors. One of the proposals being considered is a bill requiring electronic monitoring for individuals with active victim protective orders against them.
“It’s a circle that we have to try to get stopped,” said Coleman. “We know it doesn’t get stopped easily. That’s why I think the monitoring is very important to the safety of the victim.”
Under the proposed plan, offenders would be required to wear ankle monitors and victims would be notified if the individual they have a protective order against came within a certain distance of them.
“There would be a buffer zone where an alarm would go off for both the victim and law enforcement.”
During a recent legislative hearing, a domestic violence survivor shared a chilling voicemail left on her phone from her convicted abuser.
The caller said, “Do not even look at me. If I even catch you looking it me, I’m going to turn your eyes the other way.”
The woman told legislators, “Until you’ve lived it, you don’t know it.”
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said domestic violence cases have become a greater priority in recent years, not just in prosecution but also in prevention.
Kunzweiler said local prosecutors need more resources to effectively respond to the issue.
“We can certainly use more resources. That’s something DAs are going to be asking of the legislature, to help us beef up victim services. The goal is to get the victims into safe places and try to intervene.”
Local organizations like Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) are also pushing for broader change and more public engagement.
DVIS CEO Tracey Lyall stated, “It’s going to take all of us, including the public will, to say this is not okay.”
Lyall said Oklahoma has made important strides in strengthening protections for survivors, but she believes more action is needed.
“The more we can do to send the message that domestic violence is not acceptable in Oklahoma, the better.”
If you or someone you know is searching for resources and support for leaving an abusive relationship or simply seeking to learn more about the topic and the available resources in the community, there are several local and national resources listed below.
National Resources:
- Oklahoma 24‑Hour Safeline (Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault / Stalking)
Call: 1‑800‑522‑SAFE (7233)
- Website: HERE
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) | Chat/text options via TheHotline.org
- Website HERE
- Kaw Nation Family Trauma / DV Crisis Hotline
(Serving tribal and local populations)
(580) 716‑8156
- Website HERE
Local Resources:
- Community Crisis Center of Northeast Oklahoma
Call: 800-400-0883 (24-hour hotline)
Website: HERE - Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) — Tulsa and surrounding areas
Call: 918-743-5763 (24-hour hotline)
Website: HERE - Tulsa Police Victim Services Unit
Call: 918-596-9165
Website: HERE - Survivor Resource Network — Ponca City and surrounding areas
Call: 580-762-2873
Website: HERE - Native Alliance Against Violence (NAAV)
Call: 405-217-0212
Website: HERE
