Local

Tough economy is fueling rise in domestic violence, say officials

By COURTNEY MARTIN, LTN Staff Writer

Jan. 25, 2002 - With Lincoln County’s unemployment rate increasing, so are crime and domestic violence. That’s what local law enforcement officials have been seeing during the past several months.

“When people are out of work, it’s a known fact that there’s more crime,” said Lt. Ronnie Matthews with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Last figures available — Nov. 2001 — show Lincoln County unemployment almost doubled over the same period in 2000, up to 7.3 percent compared to 3.9 percent in Nov. 2000.

Along with unemployment, there’s been an increase in the last three months of larcenies, said Matthews. Most were thefts from out buildings and of four wheelers in the eastern end of Lincoln County. Home break-ins have not increased, he said.

The influence of unemployment is not only seen during an economic downturn, but can be seen anytime of the year, Matthews said.

“I write one word more than any other when I fill out an arrest report: unemployed. I would say well over 75 percent of the (people arrested) in breaking, entering and larceny are unemployed.”

While theft is a major concern in times of an economic downturn, one aspect less thought of, and really more dangerous, is an increase in domestic violence.

“Unemployment adds a great deal of stress to people’s lives,” said Officer Donnie Sain with the Sheriff’s Office. Sain handles all domestic violence cases.

“Anytime there is a lot of stress, there are more arguments and more abuse,” he said.

The past sixth months have seen an increase in the number of reports of domestic violence, he said.

Lincoln County’s highest unemployment rate in 2001 came six months ago, in July when it hit 9.4 percent.

And said, Sain, there  is always an increase in domestic abuse around the holidays, even more so this year due to the recession.

There is most definitely a correlation between unemployment and domestic violence, agrees Vicky Lingerfelt, director of Amy’s House, Lincoln County’s shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“We’ve been extremely full lately,” said Lingerfelt. “As soon as we place someone (in a more permanent situation), there’s someone else to take their place.”

Domestic violence calls are taken extremely seriously by officers, because it is “the most dangerous call (an officer) can go on,” said Matthews.

People are less cooperative when an officer goes to their home, said Sain. Most perpetrators believe it is no ones business what happens in their own home and resent the intrusion, he said.

And there is the added danger of a weapon being involved.

“There’s a more ready supply of weapons in their home than in any other situation,” said Sain. “A suspect “knows where everything is and the best places to hide or to ambush (an officer).”

—————

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call law enforcement officials or reach the Amy’s House crisis line at 704-736-1224.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

Terms and Conditions