What the death of Rod Bradway tells us about domestic violence - WISH

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous assignments a policeman can get.  The murder of Officer Rod Bradway spells out the need to address domestic abuse before it leads to violence, or in this case, tragedy.

Coburn Place is a temporary home to more than 30 women and almost 60 children who have escaped domestic abuse.
They can live there for up to two years until they get their lives back together.  Executive Director Julia Kathary says there is a lesson to be learned in the death of Officer Rod Bradway.  "Encourage victims of domestic violence to get help and to recognize signs of abuse earlier in the relationship," she said, "get help earlier before something escalates to something of this degree."

Domestic abuse is widespread. One in four women become a victim, officials say.  The same is true for one in eight men.

When police are called to respond to an incident of domestic abuse, the danger is real. 106 policemen were killed on domestic violence runs nationwide during a 13 year period studied by Police Chief Magazine. 36 of them died in face-to-face confrontations.

They account for 14 percent of all policemen killed over the time of the study.

Spencer Moore counsels the families of fallen police officers. 

"Because of the unknown factor and also the emotions that are raging during a domestic disturbance," he said, "it is just a very difficult time and a very dangerous time."

So how do you know if there is trouble ahead? 

"Possessiveness, jealousy, if somebody is really wanting to know where that other person is all the time," said Kathary, "making them report back in, tracking them using their cell phone."

If you spot some of the warning signs, what do you do?  The first thing you can do is simply dial 211.  On the other end of the phone is someone who will tell you about resources available in your community.  It's a call you can make anytime, day or night.