Salem Domestic Cases Up 143%

Unless you're constantly listening to the police scanner, it's easy to forget that in between making motor vehicles stops and responding to noise complaints, to another type of call — domestics.

Domestic dispute and assault call offenses are on the rise, and police say the trend has an explanation.

From 2008 to 2010, the department saw a 143 percent increase in domestic dispute calls.

In that same timeframe, assault calls, which include domestic assault & battery as well as other forms of assault (simple assault, assault & battery, assault & battery with a dangerous weapon, assault & battery on an officer, assaults by means of a dangerous weapon and assault & battery on a child), rose 16 percent.

Though the assault call offense category includes many other forms of assault in addition to those of a domestic nature, the rise in domestic dispute numbers is undeniable.

Why the Increase in Domestic Cases?

While Chief Paul Tucker partially attributed the increase in case load to "victims [who] are reporting at greater rates," he also pointed to the sharp observational skills of his officers.

Even if a victim is unwilling to come forward, as is often the case, Tucker said officers are well-prepared to follow through with a domestic case.

"Our officers have a lot of training. They're well trained to spot signs [of domestic violence]," Tucker explained.

Years ago, Tucker said the department had a two-person unit that worked exclusively with domestic cases, assisting victims.

"That was all they did," he said.

Though the department has dealt with budget cuts and is currently 15 officers down from its full complement, the continues to successfully follow through with domestic cases.

In addition to training, Capt. Thomas Griffin said cooperation among local agencies is an essential part of the effort to prosecute domestic abusers and assist victims.

On a monthly basis, police meet "with the office and collaborate with different agencies," to tackle the issue of domestic abuse in the community, Griffin said.

Organizations involved range from those dedicated to the social services side of the issue (providing transitional assistance and housing for victims) to law enforcement, which deals with the legal side of the issue (domestic arrests, restraining orders and prosecution).

"The district attorney hosts it here at the station," Griffin said, adding that by "presenting each month...everyone knows what's going on."

When it comes to domestics in Salem, Griffin said there is help and "there is a system in place."

By the Numbers

Data is courtesy of the Salem Police Department.