Brooklyn Park’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) is shining a light and raising awareness about Domestic Violence. The HRC and the city declare October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Brooklyn Park Police Department have a Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator who helps residents who are Domestic Violence victims. Shellie Enright helps with any safety concerns which includes coordinating extra patrol and in-person follow-up. Enright says trials are stressful for victims so she accompanies them at every trial and court appearance. She also helps encourage them to give testimony in court in front of their abuser.
“With Domestic Violence situations people may not want to be involved. They may not want to intervene. They think it’s none of their business,” said Enright. “But one thing that’s important to note, is that there are other ways you can support victims through the process. You simply ask them, ‘hey, are you okay?’, or check-in with them from time to time.”
In Brooklyn Park, Enright says we have seen a decrease in domestic violence reports. See statistics below.
Enright says even with a decrease in reports this year, does not mean that domestic violence is not happening.
“What could be happening is that there is less reporting with COVID-19 and the uncertainty of COVID-19 and everything going on. There’s high stress in everybody’s household, said Enright. “There are victims that may be quarantining with their abusers and may be too afraid to call.”
Check out the interview with Shellie Enright
In October, you can help raise awareness by changing your front porch light to purple. Pick up a lightbulb at the Community Activity Center. Send a picture to communications@brooklynpark.org and we’ll include in a social media post on our city Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.