By ERIC FELDMAN
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Investigators are releasing more details on how two Hamilton Southeastern teachers died. Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin confirmed Kristal and Frank Sergi died in a murder-suicide.
A domestic violence prevention advocate is now trying to help people recognize signs that there is something wrong at home.
This is the second time in about a month that a murder-suicide has rocked a family in central Indiana. In Zionsville last month, a father, recently divorced, killed himself and his two children.
Ferguson
“I think it’s important for everyone to know there are services available for victims of domestic violence,” said Susan Ferguson, the executive director of Prevail, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
She said sometimes it’s hard to know something is wrong.
“Assailants are often very charismatic and friendly, well-liked people in the community. And what’s happening behind closed doors is not always obvious,” said Ferguson.
In 2016, the Domestic Violence Network released five years of data focused on central Indiana. It showed the number of deaths have dropped, but the number of calls to shelters and services about domestic violence have skyrocketed.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a long list of signs to watch out for, but Ferguson said it’s hard to know what’s happening behind closed doors.
“When somebody is in trouble and needs help, then I hope we have a community that will help and believe them and will help them to get help,” said Ferguson.