To the editors:
Each year, thousands of domestic violence incidents occur across our state, and children are present, exposed to fear, instability and chronic stress during critical stages of development. According to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, Oklahoma had more than 29,000 domestic violence incidents in 2025, impacting thousands of families. Oklahoma also consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for women killed by men, underscoring the severity of violence in our state.
The CDC identifies exposure to domestic violence as an adverse childhood experience, linking it to depression, suicidal behavior, poor academic performance and long-term health conditions such as heart disease and substance use. Children exposed to domestic violence are significantly more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, impulsivity and difficulty concentrating. Research shows exposure is associated with increased fighting, disruptive behavior and barriers to learning that affect not only the child, but safety and stability for the entire school environment. Early exposure to domestic violence is linked to increased bullying, peer conflict and acceptance of violence as normal behavior.
When domestic violence in the home goes unaddressed, schools become the first line of response rather than places of learning, and child welfare systems are left managing repeated crises instead of preventing them. In Oklahoma, where rates of substance use and addiction are also among the highest nationally, these risks get compounded, increasing instability in the home and the likelihood of repeated exposure to violence.
Oklahoma policymakers, educators and community leaders must act now: prioritize early prevention, implement relationship education in schools, expand coordinated family safety services and enforce accountability for offenders.
We already know the impact. The question is whether we are willing to intervene early enough to change the outcome.
Tracie Lynn Chapman
MSW student, University of Oklahoma
Tulsa
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