Domestic Violence A snapshot for Skagit County 2010

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