The San Diego County District Attorney’s office says the worsening economy has lead to an increase in domestic violence. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
The DA’s office reports calls to the county’s domestic violence hotline rose 20 percent in January compared to the same time last year. Deputy District Attorney Tracy Pryor says unemployment and feeling pressure about money can make domestic violence situations worse. She says area law enforcement takes the situation seriously.
Pryor: Today’s misdemeanor could be tomorrow’s homicide case. There were 8,000 reports of domestic violence to San Diego Police Department and almost 18,000 in our country just last year alone.
The DA’s office also reports an increase in the number of domestic violence cases it handles every month. Between 1997 and 2008, San Diego County saw about 19 deaths a year linked to domestic violence.
Katie Orr, KPBS News.
