A new report from the Iowa Department of Public Health says Iowans need to get more involved when they hear death threats made during domestic disputes. The first full report by the “Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team” shows 92 percent of the victims of deadly domestic violence were women. Health Department Violence Prevention Coordinator Binnie LeHew says most of those deaths involved someone who was seeking to end a relationship or get a divorce. She says the greatest risk is in the first month of a divorce or separation. LeHew says friends and families need to do a better job of helping potential victims head off the situation before it turns deadly.They’ve found family and friends often heard the threats, but didn’t take them seriously. LeHew admits it’s not easy to get involved in such situations, as those you’re trying to help, sometimes don’t want you to get involved. The “Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team” reviews every domestic abuse-related death in Iowa.
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