(Akron, OH) In partnership with the Summit County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center has released its 2025 Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report, documenting a troubling increase in deaths linked to domestic violence across the region.
The report provides an overview of domestic violence-related fatalities in the region, focusing on the cases closed between 2020 and 2022, identifying patterns, risk factors, and systemic gaps that contributed to these deaths. Findings point to a continued escalation in severity and lethality of abuse, reinforcing the urgent need for prevention, early intervention, and coordinated community response.
Key Findings Include:
- A notable increase in domestic violence-related fatalities in 2025 in Summit County, tracking eight fatalities in the year.
- Evidence of escalating patterns of abuse prior to many fatalities
- Ongoing gaps in systems response that represent missed opportunities for intervention
- The role of firearms and other high-risk factors in lethality
“This report reflects not just numbers, but lives lost and opportunities where intervention could have made a difference,” said Teresa Stafford-Wright, CEO. “The increase we are seeing is deeply concerning and requires urgent attention from our entire community.”
Domestic violence fatality reviews are designed to do more than document tragedy; they identify actionable steps to prevent future deaths. The findings highlight the need for:
- Increased access to survivor services and emergency support
- Stronger coordination between systems (law enforcement, courts, healthcare, and advocacy organizations)
- Greater public awareness of warning signs and available resources
- Policy and funding decisions that prioritize victim safety
