Domestic abuse outreach after Dantzler

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The events of July 7, 2011 -- when Roderick Dantzler killed seven people and then himself -- are no doubt among Grand Rapids' darkest.

But the case shines a bright light on the issue of domestic violence. Organizations that help people in those situations say the case has had a direct impact.

Today new information released thrust the case back into Grand Rapids residents' thoughts.

Police reports revealed tales of violence. The reports show that friends said that Dantzler's wife Jennifer Heeren was afraid that he would hurt her because she was trying to leave him.

The YWCA, which helps women in domestic violence cases, said the case had an immediate impact on those calling in for help.

"People are in a much greater sense of panic and have a sense of urgency about escaping their situations," said Jim Cottrell of YWCA.

He said a lot of time people involved in domestic violence situations don't realize how serious they can be.

"I think that the drama of the Dantzler case really emphasizes how dangerous domestic violence can be. And families that may have been enduring that violence now recognize how risky and how dangerous those situations really are and feel a sense of urgency and a need to get out," said Cottrell.

Cotrell said that he hopes the public will continue to learn from the Dantzler case.

"Domestic is a persistence unless something dramatically is done in order to change that," said Cottrell.

This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Grand Rapids.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call 24-Hour Confidential Domestic Violence Hotlines offered by YWCA and Safe Haven Ministries.

YWCA: 616.451.2744

Safe Haven Ministries: 616.452.6664