Domestic Violence Cases on the Rise in Indy: Identifying Warning Signs

Domestic violence continues to be a problem for families across Indianapolis, with data showing it's on the rise this year. Project Safe Haven owner Regina Allen has seen an increase in calls related to domestic violence within the last six months.

"Some of them are whispering, some of them are crying. They're desperate. The first thing they say is, 'I don't have anywhere to go. I need help,'" said Allen.

Allen's organization provides transitional housing for people experiencing mental health challenges or homelessness. She has been picking up victims and helping them get to safety, even crossing paths with an abuser in the process.

"While we were packing up her stuff, he busted through the door, and that blew my mind," said Allen.

Less than two weeks into the new year, IMPD has responded to around 200 calls for domestic violence among intimate partners. This is a slight increase compared to this time last year.

In 2024, officers responded to 6,111 incidents. Tracy Clark, Director of Supportive Services at Coburn Place, emphasized that domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse.

"You have financial abuse, which is when you don't have access to any of the finances, you have emotional abuse and you have verbal abuse. The biggest thing is, just because someone is not necessarily getting beat up every day, that doesn't mean they're not in a domestic violence situation," said Clark.

Clark used to live at Coburn Place, which helps survivors. She stressed the importance of having a safety plan and not letting fear consume you when exiting a relationship.

Coburn Place has a 24/7 domestic violence hotline that can be reached at 317-923-5750. There is also a national hotline available at 800-799-7233.