‘We see you’: LPD’s Victim Assistance Unit shares resources after fourth domestic violence homicide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Heavy on the minds of many are questions surrounding what resources are available for those experiencing domestic violence.

With the tragic passing of Tracy Henman, the Lincoln Police Department’s Victim Assistance Unit shared its various outlets.

“We like to help them navigate their situation with as many resources as possible, because often victims of domestic violence are very isolated,” said Beth McQueen, the Victims Assistance Unit Manager.

The unit assists those in need with filling out protection order affidavits.

McQueen said those orders are an essential step, but aren’t always guaranteed.

“In various counties across the state, there’s a varying rate of how often they’re approved,” she said. “In our county, it probably hovers around 50%.”

McQueen called a protection order a “mechanism for law enforcement,” saying it allows them to make arrests for things that wouldn’t usually warrant such an order.

But sometimes, it doesn’t entirely mean they are safe.

“It gives that victim an opportunity to be able to draw a line and say ‘you can’t cross this line,'” she said. “However, when we have people in our society who don’t worry about crossing those lines, they will cross those lines anyway. The accountability in the end falls on that perpetrator.”

Right now, during a time when so many are scared and the need is increasing, she said they’re only a phone call away.

“I think it’s really, really important for people to know they’re not alone. They can ask for help. We see you, we hear you,” she said.