Number of domestic violence reports decrease

A new report released by a local police department revealed the percentage of domestic violence reports in San Luis have decreased since 2017.

The San Luis Police Department reported 120 cases in 2017, that number decreased to 107 cases in 2018.

“We are down about 10 percent in just the amount of cases that we’ve taken here in San Luis,” said Richard Jessup, Chief of Police with the San Luis Police Department.

Although reports have decreased, this does not mean acts of domestic violence have stopped, according to Diane Umphress with Amberly’s Place.

“Because reports and acts of domestic violence are completely separate,” said Umphress.

The Yuma Police Department also reported that in 2017, there were more than 800 assault cases. So far in 2018, there have been approximately 700 cases, a 20 percent decrease. However, there are certain factors that do not reflect on those statistics.

“During the holidays, people are stressed and they’re strapped for funds, so they don’t want to make those reports due to making their children unhappy or because of fear. It’s a mixture of the both,” said Umphress.

There is 75 percent of the homicides in the United States that occur when the victim decides to leave where they’re being abused.

“The perpetrator now knows they’re losing control, and that’s what domestic violence is the power these people have,” said Umphress.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence and need immediate assistance you can call the 24-hour hotline at (928) 373-0849.