Holiday pressures add up to domestic violence

Published 10:53 am Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Brian Beckley-The Courier-Herald

The holidays can be a pressure-filled time for many people, including those who work in law enforcement. As the Christmas season approaches, police usually find their lives getting caught in the Christmas hustle and bustle.

But along with the expected increase in crimes such as shoplifting, theft and vehicle prowls, the holidays also tend to lead to an increase in domestic violence.

&#8220We do see an increase,” Bonney Lake Police Chief Mike Mitchell said. &#8220We are seeing a spike in December.”

According to statistics provided by the police department, Bonney Lake averaged 12 domestic violence incidents per month in 2005. In December, the number jumped to 17, up from nine in November.

The high water mark for the year usually comes with the heat of July, but the holidays are never far behind.

&#8220Holidays there's a lot more stress, more parties and drinking,” Mitchell said.

This time of year, the financial stress of presents, scheduling yule events and family gatherings all also can lead to an increase in arguments, some of which can turn physical.

Mitchell said it is important for anyone in such a situation to know what to do: call 9-1-1. Police will send someone to investigate. If it is determined a crime has been committed, state law requires the police make an arrest.

Police will try to identify the primary aggressor and remove them, though Mitchell said charges may be filed against both parties involved.

&#8220We try and hold the abusers accountable,” Mitchell said.

Victims can also meet with a domestic violence advocate on Wednesdays at the Public Safety Building.

Along with domestic violence, Mitchell said this time of year often brings an increase in suicide attempts.

&#8220Holidays are also a big time of year for depression,” he said, urging those who may be suffering to find help.

Aside from these issues, Mitchell also said thefts, burglaries, vehicle prowls and other crimes of opportunity increase as shoppers often leave gifts in their cars.

&#8220People know that there's a Christmas tree and presents in a house and if people can see those, they take advantage of it,” he said.

This week's police blotter even included one resident's tree being stolen from her home.

Mitchell said he is hoping some recent arrests made by the police will stem the tide of thefts in Bonney Lake this year. Mitchell said Bonney Lake police, working with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, recently busted a small crime organization and a fencing organization. Several arrests were made that were linked to residential burglaries this summer and a large amount of stolen property was recovered.

Mitchell said the police also recently arrested a small group of car thieves and vehicle prowlers responsible for an increase in the number of car thefts along the state Route 410 corridor this summer.

Mitchell said police investigators used an analysis to determine when and where the thefts were occurring and formed a modus operandi.

&#8220That night they got them with stolen property in the vehicle they were driving,” Mitchell said.

The Bonney Lake Police Department phone number is 253-863-2218. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Brian Beckley can be reached at bbeckley@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.