Campaign against domestic violence launched

CLOVIS — A campaign against domestic violence was launched by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's office last week.

“Break the Cycle” is an effort headed by Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb to help men and women get out of and stay out of abusive relationships.

“We noticed through the pandemic an increase in domestic violence crimes,” Reeb said. “This is not totally surprising due to people being home, struggling economically, and all the other stresses that the pandemic has brought forth. We wanted to take the opportunity to really focus on the issue, especially since this is a problem passed on from generation to generation.”

The District Attorney's website says that one in three women and one in four men are victims of domestic violence. A Facebook post from the office said that 34.4% of New Mexican women and 29.1% of New Mexican men experience violence in their intimate relationships and more than half — 59% — go unreported to law enforcement.

The cycle of abuse, the Facebook post continues, is often perpetuated through children of domestic violence, who see it happen at a young age and repeat it as an adult.

“We wanted to try and help break the cycle of domestic violence by educating victims on the cycles of domestic violence and hopefully show them exactly where they are in the cycle,” Reeb said. “We list approximately 14 stages of the cycle. So, when we meet with a victim, we go over these stages.”

Entities joining in the campaign include the Hartley House, Arise Sexual Assault Services, the United Way, and Matt 25.

“We have developed a program to not only empower victims of domestic violence but also align our community around one specific goal, to drastically reduce and attempt to eliminate domestic violence,” Reeb said in a video for the campaign.

Reeb calls the campaign a proactive effort, and notes the office is working on a campaign with logos that will be noticeable on social media, public places and bumper stickers.

For those who may be experiencing domestic violence, or know someone who is, resources include:

• Hartley House Domestic Violence Shelter's 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 575-769-0305

• Arise Sexual Assault Services and Child Advocacy Center's 24 Hour Helpline: 575-226-7263

• The United Way of Eastern NM for food, clothing, childcare, and other services: 575-769-2103

• A state certified domestic violence offender treatment at Matt 25: 575-763-4400

• The Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office for more information about Break the Cycle: 575-769-2246