Seattle Violent Crime Rates Drop, But Domestic Assaults Are Up

Do you want the good news first or the bad news? According to the Seattle Police, major crimes in Seattle are down this year, with homicide rates at a low not seen since 1956. However, while the rates of murders, rapes, and robberies were down nine percent from last year, the number of domestic violence assaults went up significantly. It is not clear whether this increase is due to an increase of reports or due to an actual increase in domestic assaults.

“Why that is we don’t know. We are working on it with our domestic violence unit,” Assistant Seattle Police Chief Jim Pugel told KIRO TV.

Seattle Police Chief John Diaz said that the department was focusing on stopping crime, reducing the amount of public fear, and building stronger communities throughout the city.

Domestic violence makes up a large percentage of violent crimes in any area – it is a misconception that the majority of violent crimes takes place between strangers.