Haven Provides Help For Abusive Relationships
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - In light of a recent domestic violence dispute that left two people dead, a local organization is reaching out to local communities to let them know that people are out there who can help.
The results of the recent event are truly tragic. Thirty-one Mitchell Kitchens was found dead in his car Friday in Royal Oak, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was named as a suspect for allegedly gunning down his 28-year-old girlfriend, Daphane Ramey at her Southfield home while her 7-year-old son and a 12-year-old niece were in the home. Ramey was found in the doorway of her home with several gunshot wounds.
Tracy Thomas, Director of Development for Haven, the center for domestic and sexual violence, does not know the history of this couple, but offers some answers.
"What we do know is that it was an intimate partner situation where a boyfriend killed his girlfriend and the information that I've received so far from the case is that he, she was trying to break up with him," Thomas said.
Often times, trying to get out of or end an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous.
"When somebody is trying to leave an abusive relationship, that's when the power control tactics that exist in an abusive relationship are no longer working," Thomas explained. "And so we do see an increase, or a spike, in fatalities and severe beatings or murders."
Thomas said that if you are trying to get out of an abusive relationship, make sure that you have a safety plan in place.
If you happen to find yourself in an abusive relationship and you feel like there is no way out or that you life is in danger, Haven provides a 24-hour crisis line with operators standing by to help you. Call 877-922-1274.
To learn more about Haven and the assistance they provide, click here to visit their website.
