‘Loss of words’: Domestic violence advocates speak on Thursday’s alleged kidnapping

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Friendship Home is an organization in Lincoln where domestic violence survivors come to escape danger.

Advocates said a protection order can help, but it’s not enough on its own.

Police said a protection order is meant to be a line of defense.

But for 42-year-old Jesserae Beck, that line was crossed on Thursday when the Lincoln Police Department said she was allegedly kidnapped by the man she was trying to stay safe from.

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“My initial reaction was heartbroken,” said Dani Jurgens, development director at Friendship Home.

It’s a reality advocates at Friendship Home said they see far too often.

“Once again, there’s someone in our community that’s facing domestic violence and was trying to seek help and was harmed,” Jurgens said. “And truthfully it leaves me at a loss of words.”

She said this case is a reminder that leaving doesn’t always mean the danger is over.

“We know when they’re leaving a domestic violence relationship that is the most dangerous time,” Jurgens said.

Friendship Home urges survivors to reach out for help and for neighbors, coworkers and friends to take signs of abuse seriously.

“A lot of questions we always get is ‘Why didn’t they just leave? Why didn’t they just end the relationship?'” She said. “There’s often reasons why it could end. It could be an economic situation, it could be the threats of violence that increase. It’s not just as simple as packing their bags and walking away.”

For survivors, the message is clear — you are not alone and there is help.

Jurgens said she wants to remind everyone that Friendship Home is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in need; whether it’s at the start of their safety plan or for immediate assistance.

“We use the word survivor at Friendship Home because the people we are serving are just that. They are survivors,” Jurgens said.