True North Columbia offers safety and resources for abuse victims as CPD warns of increase in homicides involving domestic violence

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

True North Columbia -- an advocacy group for people experiencing domestic and sexual violence -- encourages at-risk people to reach out, as the Columbia Police Department says it has seen an increase in homicides involving elements of domestic violence.

A Columbia man has been arrested and charged with murder after Columbia police found a woman's body in a car yesterday afternoon.

Montez Williams was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with first degree murder in the killing of 42-year-old April Joann Brooks.

A probable cause statement said Williams allegedly shot and killed Brooks after the two were arguing. Officers said surveillance video shows two people leaving the car with a child after the shooting.

Officials with True North Columbia said they've seen an increase in domestic violence calls over the past few years. They said it got bad throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"One-in-three people will be a victim of domestic or sexual violence in their lives. One-in-three. That's a scary statistic," True North Interim Executive Director Jennifer Hickam said. "It's even scarier when you realize that some of those incidents actually result in death."

CPD is asking anyone at risk to reach out to local advocacy groups like True North.

"Our mission is to provide safety, shelter empowerment and advocacy to those who have been affected by domestic or sexual violence," Hickam said.

Hickam said the first step for victims is to make the call.

"I would urge anyone who's experiencing domestic or sexual violence to give us a call. Our hotline is available 24/7. Our staff is trained and will talk to you. Even if you aren't sure this rises to the level," Hickam said.

Hickam said abuse can be physical and verbal. She said abusers violence often escalates overtime and reaching out could be the difference between life or death.