Oklahoma sees record domestic violence homicides, YWCA remains optimistic about policy changes

Oklahoma set a record for the number of domestic violence homicides in 2023. A state report shows the most recent count was the highest in 20 years. However, one advocate is optimistic about the future. 

Oklahoma’s troubled history with domestic violence 

Oklahoma has historically struggled with domestic violence. Experts disagree on the different datasets and national surveys that rank each state. However, YWCA OKC endorses the Violence Policy Center - its data shows Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for women murdered by men. 

Experts blame Oklahoma's struggles for a lack of resources for survivors, the stigma surrounding domestic violence, and a lack of strong laws that hold abusers accountable. However, over the past ten years, those efforts have improved. 

Communicating the mission of domestic violence advocacy 

YWCA vice president Brandon Pasley has spent his career communicating to help people understand domestic violence statistics and the stories behind them. In 2023, that cost 122 people their lives - an Oklahoma record. 

“It’s been a long haul,” Pasley said. “We’ve seen a slow but steady escalation. It isn’t getting any better on its own.” 

As a member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, Pasley reviews homicide cases and reads between the lines. He helps identify patterns to understand why domestic violence escalates to homicides.

“Where people slip through the cracks,” Pasley said. 

Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board  

The Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board is made up of stakeholders with expertise in various areas of domestic violence. Together, they find gaps in services and make recommendations to lawmakers so they can draft legislation to address the needs of communities. 

This year, the board recommended an extra $850,000 to fund a program that will support children exposed to family violence-related homicide and near-fatal intimate partner violence.  

“We want to make sure that they have access to the right services,” Pasley said. 

Federal funding concerns for nonprofit organizations 

The Trump administration has been adamant about cutting the federal budget. Uncertainty surrounding federal grants has organizations like YWCA turning to the state to fund vital programs. 

“Most of our programs depend on those federal grants,” Pasley said. 

Pasley said last year's DVFRB report led to a critical state funding boost. 

“For the first time in arguably fifty years,” Pasley said. 

Other recommendations on the table 

1. DVFRB wants lawmakers to create a domestic violence-specific hearsay exception to bolster evidence-based prosecution; 
2. Strengthen areas of state victim protection order laws; 
3. Amend state statutes to eliminate discrepancies related to domestic violence crimes. 

Domestic Violence Bills AG Drummond’s office highlighted  

HB 1591 authored by Rep. John George and Sen. Darrell Weaver, would add domestic abuse by strangulation, domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault and battery upon a law officer to the list of convictions required to be served for no less than 85 percent of completion;  

SB 541 authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Nicole Miller, would allow prosecutors to file domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon charge if any deadly weapon is present. It also would make domestic assault and battery subsequent offenses and domestic assault and battery on a pregnant person statutorily considered violent crimes;  

SB 813 authored by Sen. Ally Seifried and Rep. Stan May, would clarify that law enforcement must make every effort to serve a protective order but would ensure that petitions are filed with the district court the following day, regardless. It also would repeal the statute requiring law enforcement to provide a Stalking Warning Letter to the accused whenever a stalking complaint is made and the law enforcement agency determines that stalking has occurred;  

SB 607 authored by Sen. Brent Howard and Rep. John George, would declare that statements related to domestic abuse are admissible in pre-trial and post-trial criminal and juvenile delinquent hearings, merit hearings, probation revocation hearings, and deferred judgment hearings; and  

HB 1413 authored by Rep. Josh West and Sen. Bill Coleman, would make pleas and findings of guilt for stalking or violations of a protective order constitute a conviction for sentencing purposes related to domestic violence where a prior conviction is relevant.  

More attention from Oklahoma leadership  

Pasley said more people at the policy level are listening to experts about proactive solutions to domestic violence. 

“People understand these issues in a way that perhaps they didn’t before,” Pasley said. “It doesn’t just go over to the legislature to die.” 

 He said thoughts on paper lead to more action and hopefully fewer lives reflected in a sobering statistic. 

“We’ve moved on to a different playing field now,” Pasley said. 

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Oklahoma must continue to strengthen statewide efforts to hold abusers accountable and provide protection to survivors. 

There are several resources available to survivors of domestic violence. The 24-hour Oklahoma Domestic Violence Hotline is 405-917-9922. Oklahoma’s Sexual Assault Hotline is 405-943-7273. The State Safeline is 800-522-SAFE (7233) 

RELATED: Domestic violence homicides reach record high in Oklahoma, report finds