Non-reporting ‘huge issue’ for domestic violence sufferers, says DeKalb agency exec

Editor’s note: Are you suffering from domestic abuse or violence? Safe Passage, a DeKalb-based shelter and advocacy agency, offers a 24/7 crisis hotline. Call 815-756-5228 or text 815-393-1995. You can also call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

DeKALB – In the wake of news that a DeKalb woman suffering from domestic violence was beaten to death, a local agency wants the community to know they’re here to help.

Staff with Safe Passage Inc., a DeKalb-based domestic violence survivor shelter and 24/7 resource, said Thursday that word of Jasmine Dejournette’s death spurred them to speak out.

Dejournette, 31, of DeKalb, was found beaten to death at her home in the early morning hours Tuesday. Police on Thursday announced an arrest and charges against the man who she was dating. Devonne L. Montgomery, 31, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery in her killing, records show.

“It is so hard to see another person in DeKalb County lose their life to domestic violence," Beth Ganion, prevention and communications manager at Safe Passage, said Thursday. “No one deserves to suffer in silence. I offer my sincerest condolences to Jasmine’s family and friends.”

Ganion cited figures which show the prevalence of domestic abuse in communities like DeKalb. The agency offers shelter and temporary housing for those seeking to leave a violent situation, including for children. They also provide support for those seeking to file an order or protection in DeKalb County court, and offer counseling sessions and safety planning.

About 41% of women and 26% of men experience some kind of domestic violence at the hands of their partner, spouse or loved one in their life, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2024, Safe Passage served 139 adults and 52 children in its shelter, according to its website. Because of limited spacing, staff had to turn away 149 adults and 95 children, though they were referred to other shelters and service providers.

Safe Passage also offers a “danger assessment” online tool which they encourage people to use so they can be aware of the risk of homicide in situations of abuse and apply it to their own situation. The tool doesn’t save the information, so there’s no risk of possible exposure for victims.

“What I have seen from working with survivors is that many of them felt like there was no way out or that they deserved the abuse,” Ganion said. “No matter how big the conflict or issue that couple may be facing no one deserves to be abused. Safe Passage can be that way out for anyone who needs it.”

Mary Ellen Schaid, executive director for Safe Passage, said her team works hard to educate the public on ways they can seek help when hope feels hard to find.

Often, those who suffer abuse and violence do so in secret, she said. And sometimes it’s too late.

“Non-reporting is a huge issue that we try so hard to educate people about,” Schaid said.

About 44% of victims of domestic violence do not report the abuse they are suffering, Schaid said.

“It’s complicated, but fear of retribution is one of the most common reasons and so is fear of loss of income, and even fear of losing the offender whom they often feel they love,” Schaid said.

DeKalb police also offered their own resources to others who may be suffering from domestic violence.

“While the victim in this case had no way to know about the impending attack against her, domestic violence appears in many forms and sometimes people feel there is little they can do to improve the situation,” police wrote in a Thursday news release. “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home.”