Domestic violence reports up 16 percent

Nevada police responded to 11,224 incidents of domestic violence in the first half of 2001.

The numbers contained in the latest report on domestic violence in Nevada represent a 16 percent increase -- 1,564 -- over the same six month period of 2000.

"The statistics indicating a dramatic rise in domestic violence incidents and the large number of homicides in Clark County related to domestic violence during 2001 are particularly distressing," Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said.

She said education and awareness are the key to breaking the cycle of violence.

But Veronica Frenkel, domestic violence ombudsman for Nevada and author of the report, said tougher laws and better training of police contributed to the increase in total reports.

"In addition, growing public awareness and confidence in the criminal justice system's response to this terrible crime generally results in a greater number of victims choosing to call law enforcement for assistance," she said.

According to the report, 79 percent of the reported incidents occurred in Clark County -- significantly higher than the 69 percent of Nevada's population which lives there. Domestic violence incidents increased 23 percent in Clark.

But Sue Meuschke of the Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence said even with greater numbers of people reporting the crime, many victims still don't contact law enforcement. She said more than 19,000 victims contacted domestic violence programs in Nevada during that same six month period.

For information on domestic violence programs in Nevada can call (800) 230-1955.