Maple Grove Police Discuss Impact of Domestic Violence Cases on Mental Health
Domestic abuse affects not only victims and their families, but it also takes an emotional toll on detectives. Maple Grove police were pushed to the limit this spring after finding the body of 28-year-old Maria Pew Fury.
Her husband, Joshua Fury, reported her missing on April 3o, after he said she didn’t return after a walk. A day later, Maple Grove police were back at the couple’s home. Detective Grant Smith was on the scene when her body was discovered on May 2.
Crime scene at Maria and Joshua Fury’s Maple Grove home.
“It was very emotionally draining and also having to discuss with family members that their daughter wasn’t coming home,” Smith said.
Police later arrested Joshua Fury. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Fury later killed himself at the Hennepin County Jail.
But Maria’s case wasn’t the only domestic violence case that impacted officers. So far, in 2020, there have been six fatal domestic-related incidents.
Counselors: Domestic Abuse Trauma Can Set In Weeks, Even Months After Incidents
Detective Smith says the emotional agony from domestic abuse cases sometimes sinks in days, even months after incidents.
Maria Pew Fury
“It’s almost impossible not to relate it to your personal life, and when you have someone’s daughter, and I have a daughter as well and looking at the comparable parts of that, it’s very trying on someone,” explained Smith.
When Maple Grove Officers need help dealing with trauma, they often turn to Marie Ridgeway and Associates for guidance. The company specializes in trauma treatment and wellness programming. They help officers to strengthen their natural coping methods.
“Sleep, exercise, feeling supported, and connected. Those are some of the main resilience factors,” said Ridgeway.
Meanwhile, officer Smith says he knows he lean on his fellow officers, too.
“Mental health is paramount in making sure that you’re not bottling things up,” said Smith.
