(KIWA Staff Photo)Iowa (RI) — Violence Free Iowa’s most recent report shows 28 people in Iowa died in domestic violence-related incidents during the 2025 fiscal year.
Spokesperson Ruxandra Marcu says fatalities have increased since the state began tracking them in 1995.
Marcu says the organization focuses not just on the number of deaths, but on the circumstances surrounding them in order to identify solutions.
According to the report, safe housing remains a critical factor in preventing domestic violence deaths. Marcu says firearms were involved in nearly half of the domestic violence fatalities and homicides received.
Marcu says one of the most important things friends, family members, and bystanders can do is believe victims when they come forward.
She says loved ones should avoid pressuring someone to leave an abusive relationship and instead help connect them with trained advocates.
Marcu says victim service providers and advocates are available in all 99 Iowa counties and can help connect people with safe housing, shelter, and other resources.
