Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, February 20, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS)(INDY6) - Domestic violence activists are speaking out after a weekend shooting and police chase left one woman hospitalized and her boyfriend in police custody.
Indianapolis metro police said Tamara Pratt, 34, was shot in the head in the 8600 block of Meridian Street early Saturday, and investigators named her boyfriend, Ronald Moore, 34, a suspect in connection with the incident.
Pratt remains hospitalized in critical condition. Moore had attempted to escape, but was arrested in northern Indiana after leading police on a 40 mile high-speed chase, investigators said.
Activists at the Coburn Place, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, said Saturday's chain of events are common, but they're working to ensure that Indiana women get the help they need before it's too late, RTV6's Myrt Price reported.
"Domestic violence is very dangerous," Executive Director Julia Kathary said. "There's a real pattern of abuse that goes on for months, maybe even years. With both parties involved, there is a real tendency to want to keep that quiet and not let friends or family know what's going on."
Kathary said her goal is to reach out to women who may be involved in violent relationships.
"We want to make sure everyone gets the help that they need so the situation doesn't escalate. If someone is isolating us from our friends and family, manipulating our time and controlling our time, they exhibit a lot of jealousy and possessiveness, there begins to be rules set in the relationship," she said.
Help is available for victims of domestic violence, and Kathary said it's important to notify authorities at the first signs of abuse.
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. operates the statewide 24-hour toll-free hotline for victims of domestic violence. For help, call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-332-7385.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.