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County in Virginia finds 45 percent of homicides domestic-related

On Behalf of | May 22, 2014 | Domestic Violence

A few weeks ago we posted an blog about a man who started a petition to get Virginia to pass a state law that would create a domestic violence registry, which would function much like the sexual predator registry.

The man claims he lost four family members to a domestic violence offender and wants to start the registry to help others avoid a similar fate. While there are serious pros and cons to this petition, one county in Virginia has found that almost half of its homicides reported in 2010 were related to some type of domestic situation

Fairfax County’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team conducted the study. The researchers discovered several things. They found that six domestic abusers were involved in killing seven victims in 2010. Out of the six offenders, five engaged in behaviors that included abusing alcoholic beverages, displaying controlling actions, and jealousy.

In fact, the county that was the subject of the study leads the state in its number of domestic violence arrests, according to another study by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Criminal Justice Research Center. 

Domestic violence is a serious issue in the state of Virginia and around the country. While a registry may not be the best way to combat the spread of domestic violence, it is nonetheless always important to protect yourself from a domestic offender if you feel threatened.

A restraining order is often a powerful tool that can offer you some relief from the threat of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as behaviors like stalking or online stalking.

If you or someone you know is considering filing for a restraining order, then a consultation with an attorney may help with the process of seeking one, and an attorney will also help you understand your rights. 

Source: Fairfax Times, “Nearly half of Fairfax County homicides are domestic related, new study shows,” Gregg MacDonald, May 15, 2014

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