Domestic Violence in Oklahoma: Why Batterers Intervention Programs Matter
- Step Three, Inc. Staff
- Sep 28
- 8 min read
Domestic violence represents one of the most pressing public safety and health issues in Oklahoma. Every year, thousands of people, including spouses, partners, children, and families are impacted by domestic violence.
Recent statistics from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), and the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (DVFRB) paints a sobering picture of the crisis and underscores why Step Three Inc's 52-Week Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) is a crucial part of the solution.
The Reality of Domestic Violence in Oklahoma
Long-Term Trends
Between 2011 and 2020, Oklahoma experienced an annual rise of 1.3% in reported domestic abuse cases, with an average of 24,845 incidents per year.
In 2021, there was a slight decrease (2,042 fewer cases than in 2020), yet the number of reports remains considerable. (Source: OSBI Uniform Crime Report 2011–2021)
Lifetime Impact
Based on the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2016–2017):
48% of men in Oklahoma (654,000) reported experiencing sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
51.5% of women in Oklahoma (763,000) reported similar experiences. (Source: CDC NISVS, 2023 release)
National Rankings
Oklahoma frequently ranks among the top 10 states for the rate of women killed by men in single-victim, single-offender situations. (Source: Violence Policy Center, When Men Murder Women Report 1996–2020)
Lifetime Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Oklahoma
The scope of domestic violence in Oklahoma goes beyond annual incident reports. According to World Population Review, nearly half of Oklahoma women (49.1%) and over two in five men (40.7%) report experiencing domestic violence at some point in their lives.
This includes intimate partner physical violence, stalking, or sexual violence. These statistics place Oklahoma among the highest in the nation, emphasizing the need for Batterers Intervention Programs (BIPs) and coordinated community responses to break cycles of abuse and prevent future harm.
OSBI Domestic Violence Data: 2021–2023
2021: 28,551 distinct victims, 7,335 individuals arrested
2022: 29,064 distinct victims, 7,556 individuals arrested
2023: 30,109 distinct victims, 8,110 individuals arrested
These statistics indicate a consistent increase in both victim numbers and arrests. On average (2021–2023):
29,241 victims reported each year
25,543 incidents recorded
19,692 suspects identified
7,667 arrests carried out
(Source: OSBI SIBRS Data 2021–2023)
Understanding the Limitations of Crime Statistics and the Impact of Underreporting.
It's crucial to understand that these figures only account for cases where law enforcement could verify a crime took place. This means that the statistics we often rely on to gauge crime rates and trends are likely an incomplete picture of the actual situation. Numerous other cases go unreported, which can stem from a variety of reasons.
For instance, many victims may feel intimidated by the legal process, fearing retaliation from the perpetrator or a lack of support from law enforcement. Others may believe that their case is not serious enough to warrant police involvement or may be discouraged by previous negative experiences with the justice system. Additionally, cultural and social factors can play a significant role; in some communities, there is a stigma associated with reporting crimes, which can lead to underreporting.
Moreover, certain types of crimes, such as domestic violence or sexual assault, are notoriously underreported due to the personal nature of these offenses and the complex emotions involved. Victims might struggle with feelings of shame or guilt, which can deter them from coming forward.
County-Level and Geographic Trends
In 2023, Tulsa County reported over 8,000 incidents of domestic abuse.
Oklahoma County and Cleveland County also reported high totals.
From 2022 to 2023:
52% of Oklahoma counties saw increases in domestic violence victims.
47% of counties saw decreases, but some still reported dozens fewer cases.
(Source: OSBI SIBRS Geographic Trends, 2023)
Who Is Affected? Gender & Racial Disparities
Women represent approximately two-thirds of the reported victims (20,709 annually).
Men constitute one-third (8,651 annually).
Racial Disparities are Significant:
Black/African American Oklahomans: 19% of domestic violence cases compared to 7.9% of the state's population.
White Oklahomans: 68.3% of cases compared to 72.9% of the population.
Hispanic/Latino: 5.6% of cases compared to 12.9% of the population.
American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.6% of cases compared to 9.5% of the population.
(Source: OSBI Statewide Domestic Abuse Statistics, 2022–2023)
These figures indicate that Black Oklahomans are disproportionately affected compared to their population share.
The Human Cost: Homicides & Child Witnesses
Between 2019 and 2023, 146 domestic violence homicides had child witnesses.
Approximately 59 children each year witnessed a family member's violent death.
In 2023, about 29% of domestic violence homicide cases involved children as witnesses.
From 2021 to 2023, 56% of these children witnessed homicides related to intimate partner violence.
(Source: DVFRB Child Witness Data, 2019–2023)
Murder-suicide statistics are equally alarming:
In 2023, 53% of murder-suicide victims were killed by a current or former intimate partner.
When considering related intimate partner violence contexts, 80% of all murder-suicide deaths were associated with intimate partner violence.
The leading counties from 2018 to 2023 include Tulsa (39 victims), Oklahoma (36 victims), Rogers (8 victims), Okmulgee (7 victims), and Comanche (6 victims).
(Source: DVFRB Murder-Suicide Statistics, 2018–2023)
Age Trends and Family-Related Homicides in Oklahoma
Recent data from the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (DVFRB) shows that intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence homicides are not confined to one age group. In 2023, the average age of homicide victims was 36.9 years for women and 41.7 years for men, with the leading age range being 35–49 years old, representing over 31% of all victims.
These numbers reflect that victims are often in their prime working and parenting years, which magnifies the impact on families and communities.
Equally concerning is the family-related nature of many of these tragedies.
The DVFRB reports that in homicide-suicide cases, 40% of victims were family members (not intimate partners), and children are frequently witnesses to these acts of violence. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 29% of all domestic violence homicides had children present, averaging 59 child witnesses every year.
This highlights how abuse ripples far beyond the couple — it devastates children, extended family, and entire communities.
Domestic Violence Programs in Oklahoma Matter
These numbers make one fact clear: arrests alone do not stop abuse. The statistics surrounding domestic violence reveal a troubling reality; without effective intervention, cycles of violence often continue or escalate from one relationship to the next, from one family to the next, and from one generation to the next.
This perpetuation of violence creates a ripple effect that makes our local communities unsafe and impacts virtually every facet of our lives, including mental health, family dynamics, and overall community well-being.
The consequences of unchecked abuse extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting children who witness violence, neighbors who feel the tension, and society at large, which bears the burden of increased healthcare costs, legal fees, and lost productivity.
BIP programs provide:
Accountability – One of the most crucial aspects of BIP programs is the emphasis on accountability. Offenders are encouraged to confront their abusive behaviors and acknowledge the harm they have caused not only to their partners but also to the wider community.
This process is vital for fostering a sense of responsibility and understanding the impact of their actions, which is often overlooked in traditional punitive or traditional counseling measures. By holding offenders accountable in a structured environment, BIP's help to break the cycle of blame and denial that often accompanies abusive behavior.
Education – BIP participants receive comprehensive education on critical topics such as power dynamics, control tactics, effective communication, and nonviolent conflict resolution strategies. This educational component is essential for helping offenders recognize the patterns of their abusive behavior and understand the underlying issues that contribute to their actions.
By equipping them with knowledge and skills, BIP empowers participants to make informed choices and develop healthier interpersonal dynamics. This educational foundation not only benefits the individuals in the program but also can help to foster a culture of respect and understanding in their future relationships.
Change -The ultimate goal of Step Three, Inc.'s BIP is to protect victims and facilitate meaningful change. Offenders are geared toward healthier relationships with themselves and others, which significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat offenses. By focusing on personal growth and transformation, Step Three Inc.'s BIP contributes to improved community safety.
Safety- Above all, BIP programs are about safety, protecting victims, children, and the wider community from ongoing harm. Each step of the program, from accountability to education to change, is designed with victim safety in mind. Step Three, Inc. also provides victim notification services, ensuring survivors are informed when offenders enroll, drop out, or complete the program. This transparency gives survivors the information they need to make decisions about their own safety and well-being, reinforcing the program’s central goal: creating safer homes and communities.
When participants successfully complete the program, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors, which can lead to a decrease in domestic violence incidents overall. This change not only impacts the individual but also nurtures a safer environment for families and communities.
Step Three, Inc. facilitates the state certified 52-week BIP program that adheres to strict Oklahoma standards and utilizes evidence-based models such as the Duluth framework.
This framework is particularly effective in addressing the root causes of abusive behavior and promoting accountability through a structured curriculum. Additionally, we recognize the importance of victim notification, ensuring survivors are informed when perpetrators enroll, drop out, get terminated from, or complete the program.
This transparency is crucial for the safety and peace of mind of survivors, allowing them to make informed decisions about their own safety and well-being.
Furthermore, recognizing that the journey of healing and safety does not end with the completion of a BIP, we also provide survivors of domestic violence with referrals to trusted resources such as SOS For Families in Idabel and Choctaw Nation. These organizations offer continued support and resources, ensuring that survivors have access to the necessary tools and assistance to rebuild their lives free from violence.
By creating a comprehensive support system that includes both intervention for offenders and resources for survivors, we aim to foster a safer, healthier community for everyone.
A Community-Wide Response
Domestic violence is not just a private matter, it is a community issue! Real change requires ongoing collaboration among law enforcement, the courts, victim advocates, and trusted community partners working toward the same goal: safety and accountability.
At Step Three, Inc., we are committed to being part of this coordinated response by:
Equipping offenders with opportunities for meaningful change.
Ensuring offenders are held accountable through our structured, OAG certified BIP.
Reducing recidivism, which lowers law enforcement, court, and healthcare burdens.
Protecting and informing victims through timely notification.
Assisting survivors by connecting them to trusted local resources such as SOS For Families in Idabel and Choctaw Nation services for CDIB cardholders.
Moving Forward
Certainly, the statistics emphasized in this blog post are staggering. It's crucial to remember that every statistic represents an Oklahoma neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member. By incorporating accountability in domestic violence initiatives in Oklahoma through 52-week Batterer Intervention Programs alongside strong victim services, the state can make substantial progress toward creating safer homes and communities.
📞 For more details about Step Three Inc's. Batterer Intervention Program, reach out to us today. Together, we can work to end the cycle of domestic violence in Oklahoma.
References
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. (2021). Uniform Crime Report, 2011–2021. Retrieved from https://osbi.ok.gov
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. (2023). Statewide Domestic Abuse Statistics, 2021–2023. Retrieved from https://osbi.ok.gov
Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. (2023). Annual Report: Child Witness and Murder-Suicide Data, 2019–2023. Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2016/2017 State Report. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/datasources/nisvs
Violence Policy Center. (2021). When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 1996–2020 Homicide Data. Retrieved from https://vpc.org
World Population Review. (2023). Domestic Violence by State: Oklahoma. Retrieved from https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/domestic-violence-by-state
Disclaimer: Step Three, Inc. provides offender-focused BIP services. For immediate help as a survivor of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
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