HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a crime that police say is usually committed in the shadows, behind closed doors. We are talking about domestic violence.
In Hazleton recently, domestic violence was front and center when a man allegedly pistol-whipped a pregnant woman in the middle of the street in broad daylight.
That man, Rodelfy Litriano Corniel, remains on the run. An arrest warrant was issued for Corniel 11 days ago. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement officials told 28/22 News that domestic violence is one of the toughest crimes to investigate and prosecute because the victims, usually women, are afraid to come forward.
Hazleton police converged on Second and Alter streets just before 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11.
"Right now we're investigating a domestic incident where a woman was allegedly pistol-whipped. Hit in the face with a handgun," Hazleton Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker previously said on July 11th.
Police say the man who attacked the pregnant woman is Liriano Corniel.
Longtime prosecutor Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters says domestic violence cases are often a challenge to prosecute.
"Not only is there the crime. Whether it's physical abuse or emotional abuse. But there's the fear on the part of the victim. The woman mostly, but it goes both ways. Typically, it's the woman. There's a fear on her part to report it because in her mind, it's only going to beat me worse," Peters explained.
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There is help out there for domestic violence victims.
28/22 News talked with counselors at the Domestic Violence Service Center (DVSC) in Wilkes-Barre, which provides counseling and emergency shelter for victims. They say some victims feel trapped.
"A lot of times, there are children involved. You don't know the person's financial situation. If it's a mom--his girlfriend. Are they working? Are they not working? If their sole reliance is on the abuser, that's something they will consider," DVSC Executive Director Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre said.
They say anyone aware of domestic abuse can make that call for help.
"We tell the friends and the family. Don't give up on that person. You might be fed up with the fact that their still staying, but there's going to be that one day that you're going to get that call, that phone call that they really need your help. You're going to turn your back on them, and they are going to end up dead," DVSC Training and Education Specialist Tammy Rodgers told 28/22 News.
The DVSC in Wilkes-Barre recently expanded its shelter from 60 beds to 90. They say domestic violence cases are on the rise.
For resources relating to domestic violence, visit their website.
