Domestic Violence Rates on the Rise in Florida

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has reported that domestic violence and domestic homicide rates are up across the state over the last year. Reported domestic violence has risen three percent, and domestic homicides have risen a disturbing sixteen and a half percent.

In Manatee County, the numbers are worse. Domestic homicides in the last year have risen 250 percent and domestic violence, which includes domestic homicide, is up by over sixteen percent. Laurel Lynch of Hope Family Services looked to the economy, saying, "Domestic violence has its roots on a power and control continue. Generally, someone that has a need to have power and control over family members. So imagine you have lost your job, your home is being foreclosed, bills are going up, gas is going up, you feel you have no control in your life, and so what we see is people trying to exert control wherever they can."

If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important that you speak with a lawyer that handles family law cases.  A family law attorney can provide you with the help and assistance you need to end the abuse cycle.