WINK News: Tracking domestic violence calls in Collier County

WINK Reporter Amy Gallo

Domestic violence: it’s Collier County’s best-kept secret.

“There was a time when there were members of our community who thought that domestic violence didn’t happen in their neighborhood. And the map has been a way to really demonstrate for the entire community that domestic violence, first of all, is an epidemic,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

Domestic violence is an epidemic no community is immune to.

“There’s really not an average victim. They come in like all ages and backgrounds and socioeconomic status,” said Oberhaus.

The numbers are in for domestic violence 911 calls in 2023: 1,421 calls in Collier County.

While it may shock you, the true number of victims is much higher.

Half of all victims never call 911.

“You could really double that number in terms of the number of cases of domestic violence that are happening in homes in our community,” said Oberhaus.

Each year, they track these statistics.

While 911 calls seem to be trending down, it’s a double-edged sword.

Are there fewer cases? Or are fewer victims choosing to call?

Given the high numbers of domestic abuse in Collier County and how big the county is, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children opened up a second location in Immokalee a few years back. Both emergency shelters have pet kennels so survivors can bring their pets to safety with them. In addition to serving women and children, The Shelter also assists men impacted by domestic violence.

If you or someone you know needs help you can call the Crisis line at 239-775-1101 or the National hotline at 800-799-7233.