“Our family is living the tragic nightmare of the ripple effect of domestic violence. Our hope is that no one has to experience what Ariel and our family have had to go through. Our continued mission is in hopes to save and help people who are in similar situations. There’s a taboo when it comes to talking about domestic violence nobody wants to talk about, it is our hope that this changes, that people will talk about it, and people will know that there are options for them to get help.”

— Nichole Sakry (Ariel’s mom)

Ariel Christine Sakry was born and raised in Clarkfield. On April 29, 2022, Ariel Sakry, 25, was shot and killed by her husband, Isaac Malone, 25, in their rural Wadena home. Isaac then shot and killed himself.

Ariel was shot by her husband 11 times including her chest and head all from the front. She also suffered trauma. She died from multiple gunshot wounds. Her husband, Isaac Malone had a prior charge of domestic violence by strangulation against Ariel in 2020.

They leave behind two young children. On June 15, WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Program attended the second annual Memorial Beanbag Tournament held by the Sakry family and a total of $3,850 was raised for WRAP to support victims of domestic violence. ($9,322.51 was raised for WRAP in 2023)

Violence Free Minnesota released its annual Homicide Report: Relationship Abuse in Minnesota on Feb 1. The organization was able to confirm 39 known victims in 2023. This is the highest confirmed number since the coalition started tracking intimate partner homicides in 1989.

Domestic violence is a pressing concern that can affect more than direct survivors. Domestic violence impacts families, friends, workplaces, and the entire community. Domestic violence is a form of abuse that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, background, or socioeconomic status. One-third of all women, one-fourth of all men, and over 10 million adults in the United States experience domestic abuse annually. Some believe it’s easy for survivors to leave their abuser, but factors like fear, financial dependence, or concern for children can make it difficult.

Domestic violence often affects a survivor’s ability to make money. The aftermath of abuse, whether physical injuries or emotional stress, can frequently require them to take time off work. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 21% to 60% of individuals lose their jobs for reasons related to domestic violence. The health implications of domestic violence aren’t just physical. While emergency care for injuries is a huge cost, the longer-term mental health support survivors may use is another significant expense. Counseling, therapy, and medication for trauma related conditions add up. Research has proven that domestic violence can cost survivors thousands of dollars over their lifetime. Protective services, such as shelters and helplines, also require funding to offer survivors a haven and the resources to rebuild their lives. These public health costs can total billions of dollars.

Children exposed to toxic environments often can feel confusion, anxiety, guilt, and fear. They might internalize these experiences, which can manifest as nightmares or unwarranted guilt, or even PTSD. Children who witness domestic violence are also at a higher risk of experiencing abuse or being an abuser themselves.

Childhood exposure to domestic violence can confuse a child and their understanding of relationships and conflict. They might become withdrawn, aggressive, or develop substance abuse challenges.

The bottom line is the reach of domestic violence extends beyond the direct harm it inflicts. The aftermath is felt economically, socially, and across generations, it is a ripple effect.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/exploitation or is a high-risk youth and is in need of service please feel free to reach out to WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs, Inc. (WRAP) through call or text at 1-800-639-2350 or 507-532-2350 or online at www.letswrap.com

— Becci tenBensel is executive director of Womens Rural Advocacy Programs