MARKLEVILLE, Ind. -- A small Central Indiana community plans big steps to protect victims of domestic violence.
The town of Markleville, in Madison County, will build a safe haven at the entrance to the police department.
Police will construct the safe room at the entrance of police headquarters. They will equip it with metal walls, a phone with a direct link to 911 dispatch and video cameras that will let arriving officers know exactly what's going on.
"If they know ahead of time that we have a safe place to go instead of remaining in the house and being abused, they have a place they can go to and be safe," said Police Chief Tim Basey.
Markleville has a population of just over five hundred people. It has just one full-time police officer and nine reserves. It lacks a round-the-clock police presence. Residents say that a safe room would buy domestic violence victims some protection.
"It happens all the time," said resident Landis Harper. "People think it doesn't happen here. Yes it does. Yes it does. You just don't hear it."
The department is trying to raise $3,000 to pay for the materials for what could be a life-saving haven for victims of domestic violence.
