According to a recent report released by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, a minimum of 34 Minnesotans were murdered in 2011 as a result of domestic violence. At least four of the victims were children, 23 were women, one was a man, and six were friends, relatives or someone who stepped in to intervene.

is, unfortunately, too common in Minnesota, and the coalition documents cases in order to urge authorities to step up efforts to protect victims.Domestic violence

The report noted that, although it is impossible to predict which abusers will end up killing their partners, law enforcement can look for warning signs, including separation, extended history of domestic or other violence, pregnancy, threats of homicide or suicide, access to firearms, staking, attempted strangulation, forced sex, jealousy issues, and controlling daily activities and outside relationships.

As sources noted, 11 of the 23 women who were killed as a result of domestic violence were separated or attempting to leave their abuser at the time the fatal incident occurred. But as the coalition report pointed out, leaving an abusive partner often makes matters worse as the abuser increases attempts to control and intimidate.

While domestic violence is a serious crime and needs to be thoroughly addressed by law enforcement, it is important to realize that the circumstances surrounding domestic violence charges are often misunderstood by law enforcement. When police respond to a domestic violence call, they often arrest somebody as a matter of course, regardless of what they find when they arrive.

Domestic violence charges are serious, and can do significant damage to one's reputation and record. It is important to ensure your rights are protected when facing these charges.

Source: Pioneer Press, "Domestic violence deaths: At least 34 in Minesota last year, report says," Emily Gurnon, February 1, 2012.