The numbers are disturbing. Five out of the nine homicides reported in Santa Cruz County this year resulted from domestic violence, a sharp upswing from last year. Kristie Clemens of the Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter says that she has noticed only a slight increase in the number of women turning to the shelter because of domestic violence, but adds that the incidents being reported are more severe.
What bothers the police most of all is that they cannot pinpoint exactly why this is happening. Rick Martinez of the SCPD notes that “It fluctuates from year-to-year, but this year it appears we have a substantial number.” He adds, however, that domestic violence is an under-reported crime. If so, then the real figures may be misleading until the severity of the incidents increases.
One concern, voiced by the SCPD’s Julie Schneider, an advocate for domestic violence victims, is that what we are witnessing is a domino effect. As incidents gain publicity, more people consider resorting to violence within their relationships. The SCPD encourages everyone—not just victims—to report domestic violence. Shelters such as the Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter have 24-hour hotlines not only for victims but for the community at large to report on any instances they witness. The Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter hotline number is 1-866-2-MY-ALLY. Read more at KSBW.
