Data shows domestic violence crime up in NY

ALBANY -- New crime data showed an uptick in domestic violence across New York last year, with more than 85,000 victims, while related homicides declined sharply.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services reported 54,848 domestic violence victims outside New York City in 2012, up more than 1,700, or 3 percent, from the year before.

The New York Police Department, using data that excludes some lower-level crimes, said there were 30,428 domestic violence victims last year, an increase of about 1,500.

State criminal justice officials said yesterday that the increase in police reports about domestic assaults, sex offenses and violations of protection orders may reflect an ongoing push for victims to contact authorities.

"This is an area that deserves continued focus and attention," said Michael Green, DCJS executive deputy commissioner. He noted that overall homicides statewide declined last year, but the likeliest person to kill a woman in New York was her partner or ex. Of the 104 female victims last year, 60 were killed in domestic violence. Men accounted for 532 victims, but only 14 died at the hands of an intimate partner.