In Nebraska, more died by domestic violence in first half of 2025 than all of 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Domestic violence deaths have significantly increased in Nebraska in 2025, according to a report released Friday by the Domestic Abuse Deaths Report Team.

Since the team began collecting data in 2022, there have been 72 domestic violence deaths in the state.

That number increased significantly this year. There were 13 total deaths in 2024 and 15 in just the first half of 2025.

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Channel 8 covered many domestic violence deaths this year, including the death of Jamie Hagen and a tragedy in central Nebraska, where a man killed his wife and two sons before taking his own life.

The DADRT task force also looks at the causes contributing to domestic abuse, and coordinator Amy Cirian said there are many things that play a role in these deaths.

“Some of these factors contributing to these deaths are economic strain, including the lack of affordable housing, child care, and limited exposure to healthy relationship models,” she said.

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The DADRT aims to work alongside public and private agencies to reduce these deaths.

“The people serving on the multidisciplinary team includes survivors, law enforcement, health care professionals, prosecutors, advocates and many more,” Cirian said.

The team discussed its progress in the report but also delved into areas for improvement, including expanding access to victim services in rural areas.

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The family members of Hagen and another victim, Angela Carlson, said they would like more people to get involved in the fight against domestic violence.

Their suggestion is for people to contact their local organizations and ask what is needed.