Report shows slight increase in domestic violence, a ‘high priority’ for department.

By Arin Mikailian

The number of local domestic-violence cases reported in 2013 was up slightly from the year before, but still reflects an average that’s been consistent for three years, according to the latest statistics.

The Glendale Police Department investigated 304 cases last year, compared to 298 in 2012, said Sgt. York Tsuruta during a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women on Monday. His report coincided with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which the city is commemorating in October.

Statistics have lingered around the 300 mark since 2011. However, during 2005 and 2006, the number of cases rose to 420 and 417, respectively, and the number of cases spiked to 523 in 2010, according to Tsuruta’s presentation.

“Domestic violence is considered and categorized as a high-priority call,” he told commissioners. Tsuruta works in the assaults details section of the detectives bureau and has five detectives working under him.

Historically, there have been significantly more women than men identified as victims in domestic-violence cases, but men are still abused, Tsuruta said.

On average, seven out of 10 domestic-violence cases involve female victims, while roughly two of them involve male victims, he said.

His report showed that 261 women were victims of domestic violence in 2013, compared to 98 men.

He said in addition to responding to domestic-violence calls and preventing people from getting hurt, officers and detectives take further action to protect victims from abusers.

The police department has had a strong relationship with the Glendale YWCA, which houses abuse victims in its shelter or helps them find refuge through other agencies, Tsuruta said.

In the past, the commission gave the police department a $2,500 grant to pay for temporary housing, but it’s barely been tapped because of the YWCA’s consistent success in finding temporary housing.

“We haven’t used it much in the last two years,” Tsuruta said.

Officers also provide victims with informational pamphlets including one about VINE, a program that lets victims check the incarceration status of the abuser if they were arrested.

Tsuruta said officers can also help arrange for an emergency-protection order, which is a temporary restraining order that’s good for five days.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a candlelight vigil for victims will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Regency Room of the YWCA Glendale, 735 E. Lexington Drive.

Source: Glendale News-Press