Los Angeles’ Violent Crime Spike Attributed to Increase in Domestic Violence

In 2014, Los Angeles saw a significant jump in violent crime; in fact, it was up 14.3%, according to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Eric Garcetti in a January 12 news report at NBC4.

According to Beck and Garcetti, the biggest factor in the increase in violent crime was the rise in domestic violence cases. The mayor claims Los Angeles is safer than it has ever been, and that part of the reason for the unflattering statistics and increase in certain violent crimes is the fact that LA is growing. Property crime was down nearly 5% in 2014, and is the most common offense in the Los Angeles area.

The primary drivers for increases in violent crime include not only an increase in situations involving domestic violence, but the switch of some misdemeanor assaults to aggravated.

Statistics show that last year, the crime of rape went up almost 21%, while homicides increased by 4%. Aggravated assault is up more than 28%.

One individual who is a survivor of domestic violence said, “I just wanted to get away from it. I was through with it.” Carla Lopez said that she put up with domestic abuse for three years before she decided to leave her abuser. In their discussion, Beck and Garcetti renewed the vow to end the cycle of domestic violence in LA.

Plans are in the works to increase the number of domestic abuse response teams so that every LAPD division has one; this would increase the number of teams from 10 to 21.

Domestic violence is a growing problem not only in LA, but around the country. This is a crime that involves threatened abuse or violence, or physical violence in situations involving married couples, couples who live together, those who share children and who are separated or divorced, even between individuals who are or were in a dating relationship. Often time, arguments escalate out of control; sometimes drinking or drugs are involved. In many cases, one person may be wrongly accused of domestic violence, and the accuser may actually be the person who started the altercation, or even made threats.

Domestic violence doesn’t apply only to physical assault, but to intimidation, stalking or harassment, even sexual abuse or abuse that is verbal or social. While it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, those convicted will face serious and damaging consequences.

If you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, take action immediately. Consult with a skilled and experienced Los Angeles domestic violence attorney who will work to uncover the truth and obtain the best possible result.