PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Domestic violence homicides in the city have risen this year compared to last, and city officials are pushing resources for not only survivors, but also those who commit abuse.
Philly police respond to about 100,000 domestic violence-related calls every year.
“Almost every person we know probably has a connection,” said City Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer.
As a former prosecutor, Geer said domestic violence typically accounts for about 10% of homicides, but this year the percentage is higher.
“That number this past year is around 16% or 17%, upwards about 20% of all homicides. That’s a significant increase,” he said.
Officials are still examining the reasons for the rise. Geer noted that calls often increase around the holidays.
“There’s a lot of stressors in the home. Tensions build, and often it can escalate into violence.”
City officials want survivors to know help is available at no cost. Emergency restraining orders can be obtained 24/7 at the Criminal Justice Center at 1301 Filbert St. The city also offers victim advocacy services with a hotline that can help guide people out of abusive situations. You can either text 88788, call (866) 723-3014, or visit their website.
Resources are also available for those who are committing violence.
“They know they struggle with this issue; they know they have struck someone before who is close to them. You can get help,” Geer said.
“Whether that’s counseling, whether that’s mental health treatment, whether that’s substance use disorder treatment, they are also in need of services, treatment, attention.”