Domestic Violence Cases Increase For Month, Decrease For Year

The El Paso Police Department is reporting that there has been a 5.4 percent spike in domestic violence cases for the month of September when compared to September of last year. But the data for the entire year shows that January through September of 2011has had fewer cases of domestic violence than January through September of 2010.

The police department counts 4002 total cases of domestic violence this year, and six of the 15 homicides in El Paso this year have been tied to domestic violence.

"We're busy all the time," said Jaime Esparza, El Paso District Attorney. "I can't think of a day when we haven't had any cases, we probably have in the last three years, but it's been very infrequent."

Just this week, the University of Texas at Austin recognized the El Paso District Attorney's Office for their 3-year-old program that quickly offers assistance to victims of domestic abuse. The 24 Hour Contact Program sends investigators out to local homes within 24 hours of a domestic violence arrest to help family members feel safe and protected, as well as offer help through community services.

"Domestic violence is unlike many crimes," Esparza said. "The main difference is that it's complex because the victim and the defendant know each other so well. Within 24 hours we've been out to visit with the victims just to make sure they're safe and understand there is help out there."

On Sunday, the District Attorney's office is sponsoring the 6th Annual Crime Victim's Walk Across El Paso. If you're interested in participating you have the option of walking 2 miles to the final destination, from Tigua Shopping Center at 500 N Carolina to the Crime Victim's Memorial Park at 610 N. Yarbrough, or you can also walk the entire 20 miles across El Paso. The 2-mile leg starts at 10:30 a.m., but if you wish to walk farther, contact Patricia Baca at PBaca@epcounty.com for information.

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