A new awareness campaign to address domestic violence in Indiana is underway.  The effort focuses on engaging community members and reducing stigma and judgement associated with domestic violence.

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence started the campaign after interviewing survivors. ICADV Prevention Coordinator Colleen Yeakle said a majority of those interviewed reported some type of judgment.

“Some were told that they stayed too long, others were told that they should have tried harder and stuck it out longer and they got this judgment from all different kinds of people in their lives,” Yeakle said.

Yeakle says there’s been a 100 percent increase in domestic violence homicides in Indiana since the pandemic started.

ICADV will partner with community organizations to reach more people.

“We really want to reach bystanders to validate survivors’ safety decisions so that they can provide support to them through the process,” Yeakle said.

New messaging will emphasize the complexities of domestic violence and how bystanders can play a part in reducing stigma.

The statewide campaign will first roll out in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville and Gary.