The effort focuses on engaging community members and reducing stigma and judgement associated with domestic violence.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives of millions of Americans, it's also triggering an alarming increase in violence against Black women, advocates say.

Indiana reports a more than 80% increase in domestic violence deaths in the pandemic. Health care professionals are also seeing an increase in the intensity of assaults.

In Indiana, domestic violence calls and domestic violence deaths are on the rise. Advocates say the increase is directly related to coronavirus. The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports an 86 percent increase in domestic violence-related deaths.

IMPD Officer Breann Leath, 24, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call on April 9.

A new initiative responds to a recent increase in domestic violence and is named after an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who was killed earlier this year.

More COVID-19 response money is available for families experiencing domestic violence in Indianapolis.

Detectives arrested Elliahs Dorsey, 27, on preliminary charges of murder and attempted murder in the Thursday slaying of Officer Breann Leath, 24, police said.

Officer Breann Leath was 24 years old. She was responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex in the area of 21st Street and North Franklin Road when shots were fired.

Many initiatives to help people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis will receive more than $6.3 million in federal funding.