OMAHA, Neb. — Four women in the Omaha area have been killed in shootings in just over a month, police say, a string of incidents that local advocates call one of the deadliest stretches on record for domestic violence homicides.
The surge has rippled through community services and survivor networks. Outside Heartland Family Service in Papillion, faded roses mark a makeshift memorial and a reminder of the lives lost. Survivors and agency staff said the recent deaths underscore how dangerous and fast domestic situations can escalate.
Grace Kohls, who left an abusive relationship two years ago, described feeling trapped and later finding support through family and Heartland Family Service. She urged people in similar situations to reach out to someone they trust.
"Felt like I couldn't escape it at all," Kohls said.
Barriers to leaving, resources available
Dawn Conley, who oversees the domestic violence program at Heartland Family Service, said staff answer more than a thousand calls a month seeking shelter or temporary respite. Conley said fear is the greatest obstacle when victims consider leaving.
"What's the biggest barrier to getting help? Fear."
Conley added that the period after leaving an abuser is especially dangerous. She described the hotline as a confidential first step that does not require callers to give their names.
- Hotline: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline — 402-292-5888
- Shelter capacity: Heartland Family Service operates a safe-haven shelter that can house 20 individuals.
- Monthly demand: The program fields over 1,000 calls each month for shelter or assistance, according to agency officials.
Local consequences and context
Conley said this summer's murders are tragic but not surprising to those who work with survivors. She recommended that anyone unsure about next steps call the confidential hotline to speak with an advocate or therapist and plan an exit safely.
The recent deaths — in three cases followed by the alleged perpetrator taking his own life, according to police accounts — have prompted renewed calls for awareness about the risks victims face and the importance of immediate, confidential support.
| Service | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotline | 402-292-5888 (confidential) |
| Safe-haven shelter | 20 individuals capacity |
Survivors and advocates emphasized that reaching out can begin with a single confidential phone call and that planning with an advocate can make leaving safer. For now, Heartland Family Service continues to manage high call volumes while providing shelter and counseling for those who seek help.
