ST. LOUIS – Cynthia Bennett is the founder and CEO of Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, or JADASA. She plans on traveling to Jefferson City next month to encourage lawmakers to create a domestic abuse registry in the same way the state operates a sex offender registry.

Bennett believes a registry would reduce violence and help community members in new relationships.

“You may not necessarily know what is in that person’s background,” she said.

JADASA reports a recent increase in the number of domestic violence cases reported. Bennett adds it’s not clear if the amount of abuse is increasing, and that more survivors may be coming forward because they know help is available.

“We as advocacy agencies are working collaboratively with law enforcement to provide wraparound services,” she said. “Once we keep that messaging in the community, more and more victims will report.”

On Friday, the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office released information about several recent domestic violence cases.

In one of those cases, Breckenridge Hills Police reported a domestic argument escalated into a shooting. In another case, Hazelwood investigators said a victim was choked, strangled, and even lost consciousness.

Bellefontaine Neighbors Police recently investigated a case that led to charges after an 11-year-old called police saying her mother was beaten by a man who abused her before.

“Kudos to the 11-year-old,” Bennett said.

JADASA’s services include support for children.

“It can be horrible for them as well, and it can be detrimental because they are in for their parents as well as themselves because they don’t know what’s going to happen to them,” she said.

Bennett continues to work with other agencies to ensure community members know help is available.

Anyone in an abusive relationship can find assistance through JADASA. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Help is also available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).