DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting the number of people killed in fits of domestic violence is growing, along with the number of cases.
The health department's biennial report shows Iowa averaged about 15 deaths per year between 2005 and 2009 from domestic violence, compared to about 12 per year between 1995 and 2004.
The report indicates women are the primary victims of homicide, with men responsible for deaths in nearly 94 percent of the cases.
The most common factor in the murders was the victim was trying to end the relationship with the perpetrator. Drug and alcohol abuse is another common factor.
Health department official Binnie LeHew says in almost half the cases, the perpetrator of violence had previously threatened murder or suicide. He says such threats should be taken seriously.
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