Oklahoma Ranks in Top 10 For Domestic Abuse Cases

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- October is domestic violence awareness month and Oklahoma ranks among the top 10 in the country for domestic violence cases.

In just the past two weeks, three children in the state have fallen victim to domestic abuse. For a statistic that seems to be rising in Oklahoma, psychologist Stewart Beasley shed some light on the issue.

"I think it's always been around. I think that sometimes the deaths of children have been passed off as accidental deaths when in fact they were probably homicides, but I think more and more medical doctors and emergency rooms, hospital and EMTs are trained to recognize the signs of child abuse," Beasley said.

The latest young victim in domestic violence was 2-year-old Jolene Babakhani. Police said the mother's boyfriend, Rico Berry, is accused of child abuse that led to the toddler's death.

"We're not talking about blood or anything like that but bruising to the head and neck area led them to believe that this child hadn't just passed out or was suffering from an illness," said Edmond Police Lt. Tom Custer.

Beasley explained why these types of cases seem more and more common.

"I think a lot of women make a mistake that they believe that someone who is not the child's biological father will love the child just as they do, and males do not bond with infants that are not necessarily theirs. Naturally they have to work at it and they have to want to do that," Beasley said.

In recognition of domestic violence awareness month, Beasley said education is key.

"I think that moms really love their kids and don't put them in harm's way on purpose, but I think on the other hand they really need to be educated about other options that they have rather than just leaving them there with someone they may not be able to trust," Beasley said

Beasley said in time, there will be more agencies and support systems to help minimize the problem in Oklahoma, but he said he believes domestic violence will never go away.

Rico Berry is in Oklahoma County Jail without bond. Police said the mother of the child is not a suspect.

More on News9.com: Edmond Man Suspected of Killing Girlfriend's Toddler