In 2009, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received 31,232 domestic-related crime calls—an increase of 1.8% from 30,676 calls in 2008. Domestic violence accounts for an estimated 20-25% of homicides in the District of Columbia every year. In 2009, a total of 4,796 clients visited DC’s two Domestic Violence Intake Centers (DVICs)—an average of 19 clients each business day. In the entire District of Columbia, there are only 96 shelter beds for domestic violence victims and their children. In Fiscal Year 2009, SAFE provided emergency shelter in local hotels, when no conventional shelter space was available, for 459 adults and approximately 477 children—a cost of $54,670.79, which was reimbursed by the District’s Crime Victims Compensation Program. The average length of stay was 3 nights per family. In 2009, SAFE’s Court Advocacy Program (CAP) Advocates provided extensive crisis support and advocacy services to 3,148 victims through a total of 7,713 client contacts—an increase of 5.99% over 2008 in number of clients served. Services provided included: develop 3,743 safety plans; provide general legal information to 3,801 clients; accompany 1,062 clients to Court hearings; assistance applying for housing and other benefits through the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program for 3,923 clients; emergency financial assistance to 391 clients; and referrals to supportive agencies and organizations—such as housing, employment, and children’s resources—for 2,000 clients. In 2009, SAFE’s OCAP advocates provided after-hours assistance to 1,029 survivors—an increase of 20.4% from 2008. Services provided included: provision of safe shelter for 556 clients; and 27 Emergency Temporary Protection Orders—approximately three times the number provided last year. In 2009, 5.3% of SAFE clients were Hispanic/Latino, 3.8% had limited proficiency in English, and 2.8% were born outside of the United States.

Dynamics of Domestic Violence Legal Options Statistics