Holidays Bring Domestic Violence - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Holidays Bring Domestic Violence

  Unfortunately, the experts say the stress surrounding the holiday season, usually means an up tick in domestic violence cases into January.

  Tonight, a 44-year old Scott Boothman of Warroad, Minnesota man is in jail, facing charges of assault, reckless endangerment and terrorizing.

    According to the criminal complaint, Scott Boothman threatened to kill his girlfriend. He was en route to the Grand Forks airport, when he forced his girlfriend and her daughter out of the car. He left them standing along Interstate-29 near Grafton in a wind chill that was 30-degrees below zero.

  Boothman returned and picked them up. Then, all 3 were then chased by law enforcement at speeds up to 100 miles per hour down the interstate, before Boothman pulled over and surrendered.

  Unfortunately, domestic violence experts say it's an all to familiar story.

Laura Frisch, GF Abuse & Crisis Center: "Domestic violence cases… we probably see around 750 cases, and overall client numbers, up to 1,400."

Reporter: "Every year?"

Frisch: "Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking cases every year."

Domestic Violence, Training Video: "What did you say?...."

  Frisch says most women go through 7 or more domestic violence incidents, like the one portrayed in this training video, before they reach out for help.

Frisch: "The biggest thing to keep in mind is safety. First and foremost. Really do a thoughtful plan if they can work with an advocate to make a safety plan that's ideal. But if they're in immediate danger, always contact law enforcement."

  Frisch urges women in trouble to give them a call… to at least talk about their options, before things get worse.

  If you're in need of help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can put you in touch with a local advocate.

  You can call toll free: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)