October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a subject that is increasingly difficult for local law enforcement to deal with. For example, police in Marshalltown responded to nearly 500 domestic abuse-related calls in 2019, with 120 arrests. That’s a significant increase according to Police Chief Mike Tupper, especially when you take into account only 25 percent of the abuse cases are reported. That means that last year, 1,500 calls were NOT made to deal with abuse.

There is help if you need help getting out of an abusive relationship. You can contact either police, ACCESS Assault Care Center, the National Domestic Hotline or the Marshall County Attorney’s Office.