Domestic Violence
A snapshot for Skagit County
2010 statistics
• 3157 specific DV calls within Skagit County
▫ 2542 DV calls (this is up from both 2009 and
2008)
▫ 615 Violation of Court Order calls
• That is an average increase of 166 specific DV
calls per year over the past 3 years
DV numbers in perspective
• The DV incidents displayed are only the “labeled”
DV cases.
• When one adds in other DV related crimes (i.e.
custodial interference, threats and harassment calls)
a conservative estimate of reported DV incidents is
closer to 3993 in 2010. Statistically, numerous other
DV incidents go unreported.
(The 3993 incidents includes previous reported numbers along with all custodial interference
calls and conservative estimates of 1/3 of all threats and harassment incidents. Other DV related crimes
not included in this estimate are Mal Mis and Burglary).
DV numbers in perspective (cont).
• Other highly visible or frequently reported crimes stats for 2010:
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
Traffic Accidents- 2330
DUI- 965
Mal Mis- 1612
Noise- 1468
Theft (including shoplifting)-3115
Traffic Enforcement (including speeding tickets and parking
complaints)- 4689
▫ Fights- 676
▫ Vehicle Prowl -1433
• Gang related crimes (Mal Mis, Fights, Vehicle Prowl) total 3721
• This makes DV related incidents the most frequently occurring
crime in our county eclipsed only by Traffic problems
• When one considers that every DV crime is a violent crime against a
person and that DV crimes are recurrent and often escalate absent
intervention, these numbers are troubling.
Resources/Programs
• DV Committee
• DV Impact panel
• DV Education Program
• Stop Grant
• Community efforts
DV Committee
• Meets monthly
• Multidisciplinary (open to community members)
• Primary focus is on information sharing and
education (community and professional)
DV Impact Panel
• Focus on education about DV (it is not treatment)
• Court ordered
• Panel members include:
▫ Law Enforcement
▫ Advocates
▫ Treatment Providers
•
•
•
•
•
Runs quarterly
Typical panel hosts 50-60 participants
Repeat offenders
Is being used as a sanction
Cost borne by the offender ($40)
DV Education Program
•
•
•
•
•
Designed by multidisciplinary team
Aimed at early intervention to reduce recidivism
For first or second time DV offenders
All potential participants are screened using DVI
Restorative justice model..incorporates
Education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
Restitution
• Two day program (jail alternative)
• Cost borne by offender
• Facing challenges
Stop Grant
• Currently being administered by SWPD
• Primary focus for the funds is on Law
Enforcement training.
• Meeting currently planed to discuss training
needs and scheduling county wide training
Community Effort
• Eagles Wings Project (Crossroads Community
Development Corporation)
• Transitional housing for DV victims and their
children.
• Located in Burlington
• Current plan is to break ground this year
(contingent on funding)
• Designed to bridge the gap between safe house
and self sufficiency
The 2 biggest challenges we face
• Lack of jail space
▫ Offers little incentive for non compliance with alternative
programs
▫ Little incentive for non compliance with treatment
▫ Puts offenders back at home with their victims
• DV Cases are predominantly handled by LE generalists
▫ Limited or no follow-through/up
 Creates a feeling of disconnect with victims
 Leads to recantation and dismissal of cases
 Increases CJ costs due to recidivism and wasted time in case
prep etc…
▫ Unfamiliar with resources
▫ Similar problem noted in 2005 grant audit
Conclusion
• Domestic Violence continues to be a growing
problem within our county.
• As the single most frequently reported violent
crime in our county it requires a coordinated
community and multidisciplinary response.
• As a legislatively mandated, high frequency and
high liability crime; our continued efforts to find
better ways to respond to this crime is
paramount.
Thank you
Questions?
2010 Statistics (cont).
• Specific DV calls per agency (DV/VNCO)
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
APD 295/94
BPD 289/75
MVPD 931/198
SCSO 707/182
SWPD 320/66