Domestic Violence
Community and Family (Cross Age)
Note
*: Statistically unstable
Data not available:
Type of Weapon Cases with strangulation or suffocation prior to 2018.
Domestic Violence:
Related Calls for Assistance (DVRCA) are reported by various LEAs throughout the State on a monthly basis.
The DVRCA data set provides summary statistical data on the total number of domestic violence related calls for assistance received by the LEAs, the number of cases involving weapons, and the type of weapon used during the reported incident.
Other Dangerous Weapon: Penal Code section 13730 does not require that the type of weapon involved in a domestic violence-related call be reported.
Source:
Domestic Violence-Related Calls for Assistance. Years: 2013-2022.
What is the indicator?
This indicator—the rate of domestic violence reports per 1,000 households—measures reports of domestic and intimate partner violence made to San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The number of reports is considered to be an under-estimate, as many incidents go unreported. However, police reports are closer to the actual rate of occurrence than arrest rates. These data are routinely reported by ARJIS and the California Department of Justice.
Why is this important?
Domestic violence has a negative impact on everyone involved, either directly or through exposure to violence. The abused partner may suffer both physical and emotional trauma, as well as post-traumatic stress. Exposed children live in fear, often perform poorly in school, and typically do not participate in normal childhood play and social activities. Children who have these adverse violent experiences—even when the violence is not directed at them—have increased risk of victimization, aggression, problems with social relationships, and lifelong health problems. Domestic violence typically escalates over time, moving from verbal abuse to emotionally abusive behavior, to physical abuse, and may result in death.
What strategies can make a difference?
These evidence-based strategies are used across the country to address domestic violence:
- Offer targeted training across various systems on issues including domestic violence, conflict resolution, fostering healthy relationships, self-reliance, and related topics for personnel working with vulnerable families.
- Establish connections and share data among child abuse, domestic violence, and judicial systems to ensure consistent handling of cases involving domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse.
- Introduce regular developmental screenings during early childhood, utilizing validated tools by professionals in early care, education, and health sectors, to promptly identify young children exposed to violence and other traumatic experiences.
- Utilize school and youth programs as platforms to educate young individuals about cultivating healthy relationships and the dangers of teen dating violence, while also providing resources to support them.
- Offer trauma-informed services such as shelters, legal aid, counseling, and case management for victims of domestic violence and their children.