INDIANAPOLIS — We're learning more about a big grant from Indianapolis Colts players to develop domestic violence training for law enforcement in Marion County.
The $50,000 donated to the Domestic Violence Network in Indianapolis is through the Players Action Fund.
It's meant to help address domestic violence, specifically in the Black community.
Advocates say that's essential because although people of color are victims of violence at a higher rate, they also don't often report the abuse to police because of a lack of trust.
Jimmie Bridges endured 15 years of domestic violence. She said she's lucky to be here today.
"I am a survivor. I am a survivor. I choose me. That is my motto," Bridges said.
The abuse her family witnessed also led to interactions with police in northern Indiana, where she lived at the time.
She said it didn't go well. She didn't feel protected.
"Assumptions on their part," Bridges explained, "because it is the Black community, it happens all the time. That was a system fail and so in coming here, I was like, 'Why call the police if they're not going to help me?' They didn't help me there."
Mistrust of law enforcement is a concern the Domestic Violence Network says it hears often here in Indianapolis, specifically from people of color.
And yet the group says Black women are 2 1/2 times more likely to be abused by an intimate partner.
That combination can lead to poor outcomes for both officers and victims in need.
"They're already in this volatile situation of domestic violence. Law enforcement comes in. It's a very dangerous call for them to be on, so they're very heightened with emotions as well. So you have these emotionally-charged things happening at the exact same time. How can we deescalate that? How can we bring this down so that everyone can be safe?" said Kelly McBride, executive director of the Domestic Violence Network. "It's difficult with this already high tension, with this couple who has trauma from law enforcement already, and law enforcement doesn't know how to deescalate, and they're not sure how to bring this down."
New trauma training aims to help.
Colts players donated $50,000 to help tackle domestic violence, specifically in the Indianapolis Black community.
The money will develop and implement training for police, prosecutors and corrections officers on how to resolve domestic conflict peacefully, mitigate mistrust and get people help.
"We are so excited to receive this money from the Colts to develop this training," McBride said.
It will be a partnership.
Police and trauma experts will develop the training together over the next nine months or so. Then, training for law enforcement will roll out by the end of the year.
McBride said it's a first-of-its kind nationwide and may serve as a model.
"I think this could save lives," McBride said. "I think this could help dismantle systems of oppression."
Bridges believes it will help, too, in protecting more survivors, just like her.
"I believe it will save more lives if it's approached differently," Bridges said. "You know, a little more empathy. A little more compassion."
If you're in need of help or want to learn more about the Domestic Violence Network and its programs, click here.