In 2024, there were 78 reported cases of domestic assault in Eden Prairie, down from 84 cases in 2023.

These are only the reported cases – we know there are many more incidents of domestic violence that are never reported. In fact, it is estimated that one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.

In 2006, the EPPD established a program called the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) after a sergeant responded to a domestic call and realized that early intervention in a non-violent situation could help prevent an escalation to violence. DART officers get involved in domestic disturbance situations early on, often before violence occurs. In 2024, DART officers followed up on 149 cases of domestic violence. The officers earn the trust of the victims and encourage them to seek help, specifically at Sojourner, a nonprofit, comprehensive domestic violence program and partner of the EPPD. 

Victims often don’t realize they have been conditioned to accept the abuse they’re receiving as normal. Trained officers can notice where victims are headed, point it out to them and offer resources.   

DART officers also provide training for the rest of the department on domestic violence. The training covers legislative changes, recent court decisions and appropriate investigative techniques for handling domestic violence calls. Officers also teach family violence prevention in schools, spreading greater awareness to all members of a family.

If you or someone you know needs help with domestic abuse, call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111 or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233).