Gov declares domestic violence emergency

Citing a tripling in domestic violence homicides in the past two years, Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday declared a “public health emergency” and directed health and safety officials to review data over the past three years and produce a trend analysis.

“Everybody can and should do something to prevent domestic violence,” Patrick urged at a press conference announcing the review and the strengthening of training for police officers on domestic violence and sex crimes.

In 2007, there were 42 murders and 13 suicides related to domestic violence, averaging almost one a week and the highest rate since the early 90s, according to Jane Doe Inc., an advocacy group. In 2005, there were 15 murders and four suicides.

This year has seen 19 domestic violence homicides and five suicides, according to the group.

Patrick called the figures a “dramatic spike,” and Mary Lauby, executive director of Jane Doe Inc., said the brutality of the violence is “more horrendous than ever.”

Boston Herald