Ellensburg Domestic Violence Arrests Down
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ELLENSBURG -- KIMA is following up on our story about out-of-control domestic violence issues in in Ellensburg. Now, a community-wide effort has dropped the number of arrests dramatically.
It's a tough topic, but it's not uncommon.
"It truly does touch everyone's life a some point," says Program Manager at ASPEN, Katie Salvo.
In 2009, KIMA reported that domestic violence arrests were up 65 percent. But, in just one year's time, Ellensburg has seen a drastic, 50 percent decrease in arrests.
"It might mean that our message is getting out to the community. That we're not going to tolerate domestic violence," Salvo says.
Another reason is the unique relationship between ASPEN and the police department. While normally advocates and police have different goals, the dynamic has changed.
It used to be just the police department on the scene of domestic violence. Now, an advocate is there, too. They help the victim cope, and, in turn, help the city of Ellensburg with domestic violence.
"The main thing we see us they feel a little more secure in the process," says Dan Hansberry, Captain of the Ellensburg Police Department.
Hansberry says that typically domestic violence is one of those crimes that goes unreported. So, when you see the reports go up--it's a good thing.
More reports, fewer arrests, and a safer Ellensburg.
It's a tough topic, but it's not uncommon.
"It truly does touch everyone's life a some point," says Program Manager at ASPEN, Katie Salvo.
In 2009, KIMA reported that domestic violence arrests were up 65 percent. But, in just one year's time, Ellensburg has seen a drastic, 50 percent decrease in arrests.
"It might mean that our message is getting out to the community. That we're not going to tolerate domestic violence," Salvo says.
Another reason is the unique relationship between ASPEN and the police department. While normally advocates and police have different goals, the dynamic has changed.
It used to be just the police department on the scene of domestic violence. Now, an advocate is there, too. They help the victim cope, and, in turn, help the city of Ellensburg with domestic violence.
"The main thing we see us they feel a little more secure in the process," says Dan Hansberry, Captain of the Ellensburg Police Department.
Hansberry says that typically domestic violence is one of those crimes that goes unreported. So, when you see the reports go up--it's a good thing.
More reports, fewer arrests, and a safer Ellensburg.
