DeKalb County encourages domestic violence victims to call 911

DeKalb County wants victims of domestic violence to know they are not alone.

The county encourages victims to call 911 in the case of an emergency, according to a statement released Friday called, “Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence in DeKalb County?”

The DeKalb County Police Department also emphasized partnerships it has with organizations that provide assistance and other resources.

“Many victims of domestic violence think that they are alone and that help doesn’t exist,” interim police Chief Joseph Lumpkin said in a statement. “However, the DeKalb County Police Department has a dedicated Special Victims Unit to address domestic violence and offer victims assistance.”

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The department said 85% of domestic violence homicides occurs when a partner has left or is planning to leave the relationship.

Just earlier this month in DeKalb, a man allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend before opening fire on officers. The suspect, identified as Otis Walker, was captured Friday in Lithonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 1 in 5 women and about 1 in 7 men report having experienced severe physical violence from their partner.

Lumpkin said family, friends or anyone else with knowledge of domestic violence should encourage the victim to seek help.

The county also listed agencies that help domestic violence victims, including the Women's Resource Center, International Women's House, Men Stopping Violence, Tapestri and Victim Information and Notification Everyday.

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