The North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services, which is made up of 21 local domestic violence crisis intervention centers across the state, has released its 2009 statistics on domestic violence.
In 2009, local crisis centers provided services to 4,569 new domestic violence victims. This number reflects a 7 percent increase from the same period in 2008, and a 9 percent increase from 2007.
Also in 2009, 4,874 incidents of domestic violence were reported, which is a 6 percent increase from the same reporting period in 2008, and a 9 percent increase from 2007.
At least 75 percent of the victims served were physically abused, and 94 percent of the victims were women.
The council stated in a news release that several factors could explain the increase in services.
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In the past year, the council and its local crisis centers provided training to professionals throughout the state. Community collaborations are an important tool in reaching victims of domestic violence and holding their batterers accountable.
The economic downturn is creating an influx of people into North Dakota, which can cause a higher demand for services.
Public education campaigns conducted throughout the year may also explain the increase, with the council reaching more victims.
