Philadelphia Faces Rising Toll of Domestic Violence

[alp227]

Source: Ian Urbina, The New York Times

Responding to a sharp increase in homicides stemming from domestic violence, the Philadelphia Police Department announced plans this week to change how officers handle domestic abuse cases.

While Philadelphia’s overall homicide rate has dropped about 9 percent and all violent crime in the city is down compared with this time last year, there have been 35 domestic homicides since January — a 67 percent increase from 2008. The police say two additional killings are still being investigated and are likely to be added to the tally.

“It’s something we have to confront because domestic violence homicide is a crime where you know who the perpetrator is and there are often warning signs that the crime is coming,” said Patricia Giorgio-Fox, the deputy policy commissioner.

She added that 21 of the 35 domestic homicide victims had made a total of 178 calls to the police, and some of the callers had restraining orders against the individuals suspected or convicted of killing them.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31philadelphia.html

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It's good to see the Philadelphia police get tougher on domestic violence, especially repeat offenders.

[rocktivity]

1. Did the Eagles make the NFL playoffs?

rocktivity

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Yes

although some of their most recent "wins" were near losses.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Interesting

how so much Philadelphia news can be found in the NY Times (which I subscribe to). :rofl: