Lethal Domestic Violence Continues to Skyrocket!

Lethal Domestic Violence in Ohio Reaches Record Highs

Lethal domestic violence in Ohio has reached crisis levels in 2025, according to newly released data from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. I have been practicing family law and handling divorce cases in Montgomery County and in the Miami Valley for 40+ years and have represented countless people who have been a victim of domestic violence. I have posted in this blog frequently about the devastating effect it has on people who have experienced this type of crime.

Domestic violence is a crime and illegal, and it includes physical assault, sexual abuse, stalking, economic control, or psychological aggression against a household member or a family member by another family member. Technology may also come into play where people are using social media and digital platforms to control and harass their victims.

In the United States, domestic violence is one of the most serious and concerning health crises in 2025. It affects millions of people across all demographic lines leaving devastating impacts on families and individuals. Government data supports the fact that 10 million people are victims of some type of domestic violence in the United States every year.

Firearms and Domestic Violence Homicides in Ohio

In Ohio, according to a recent report from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN), 2025 has been the most lethal year for violence domestic homicides. The ODVN cites in its annual report there have been 157 partner related fatalities between July 1, 2024, and June 20, 2025. This is an increase of 37% from the previous year. In the 157 fatalities 144 of the cases have involved firearms. Anger coupled with the reality that firearms are easily available does not make a good mix. Other statistics noted are that 69% of victims had prior involvement in civil or criminal proceedings, including divorce and or custody proceedings.

Custody disputes were present in 38% of cases. It is reported that 36 children were witnesses to a killing, and the deaths because of domestic violence left 92 children without one or both parents. 55% of the killers had previous encounters with the criminal justice system. Maria York who is Policy Director with ODVN states, “The data tells a devastating story. By working with policymakers, community leaders, and survivors themselves, we can work to prevent these tragedies to create systems that prioritize safety and justice.”

Miami Valley Resources for Domestic Violence Victims

I have often written about a local domestic violence center, The Artemis Center, and what a fabulous resource this is in the Miami Valley. Jane Keiffer who is the executive director of the Artemis Center, is alarmed about the level of violence. In response to the recently released statistics, Keiffer says “we’ve really been hearing about more cases of strangulation, suffocation. The brutalness of the violence has increased.” Keiffer believes that this alarming increase is partly attributed to the coverage of the caustic behaviors of famous people from athletes to celebrities to politicians. Keifer says “they see public figures getting away with things and they think they can do it. Survivors get to the point where they’ll say to us “it was him or me.”

If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone that is, reach out to someone that can help before you or someone you know becomes a statistic. In Ohio you can contact the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 800-934-9840. The Artemis Domestic Violence Center can be reached at 937-461-4357. The rise in lethal domestic violence in Ohio highlights the urgent need for early intervention, legal protection, and community support.

We are here to help

Please consider joining or following us!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

© 2025, Ohio Family Law Blog. All rights reserved.