A Pioneer Press review of homicide cases compiled by advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies found about 1 in 4 domestic killings in recent years have taken place in the two states' most rural counties. Above all other factors, this one is mentioned the most. Domestic abuse calls often are not responded to as quickly in spread-out communities with few police officers. Transportation can be difficult, too. The nearest town can be miles away, and a shelter even farther.
Winter can make rural roads impassable.
Victims may not have a car, or access to a car may be cut off by their abuser. Kershner's study, involving 1,600 women in nine counties, found that those with limited access to vehicles were more than twice as likely to be abused, and women with little access to telephones were at even greater risk. Lack of privacy. In the 1997 study, nearly 1 in 5 women said that lack of anonymity would make it difficult to discuss abuse with a doctor or nurse. Farm women have unique issues, advocates say.