By Sean Copeland

BLOOMINGTON – October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and the Bloomington Police Department say they receive an average of about five domestic violence calls a day and have to date, logged more than 1600 domestic violence calls in the last year.

In addition, not only is it one of the top five factors in deaths of officers, but they’re noticing a gradual rising trend in these types of cases.

Some neighbors who hear a fight escalating might not want to get involved, but Bloomington Police Chief Brenden Heffner asks why not?

“Think about yourself. If that were you or a loved one, wouldn’t you want someone to remain in the area and provide information that can be helpful? And obviously all we are doing is seeking the truth,” said Heffner.

Heffner said calling police when you are concerned about a family fight nearby, actually shows you care about the people around you and shouldn’t be seen as meddling.

Heffner added people often underestimate what they know and any bit of information might help officers get to the truth of a domestic violence situation.

Despite that, Heffner says it’s not uncommon for people to underestimate what they know – as seeming outsiders.

“Some people think they don’t know much, or maybe they heard something, or it’s not a big deal but that can lead to some very important things for us in regards to our investigation,” said Heffner.

Sean Copeland can be reached at [email protected].