PORT ANGELES –Instances of domestic violence in the city of Port Angeles increased 15 percent during the first half of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004.
“It’s still high and unacceptable,” said Police Chief Tom Riepe.
Crimes against people and property can be designated as domestic violence if the offender either lived with the victim and/or was involved in an intimate relationship with them.
From January through June of this year, Port Angeles police recorded 131 domestic violence crimes, which range from serious crimes to violations of no-contact orders.
During the same period in 2004, there were 114 crimes, said Lena Washke, records specialist for the department.
Most of the crimes were violations of no-contact orders and fourth-degree assaults.
In 2004, there were a total of 227 domestic violence crimes, with 65 being violations of a no-contact order and 132 fourth-degree assaults.
From January through November of this year, Port Angeles police officers have responded to reports of domestic violence and completed a report 415 times, Washke said.
