FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
October 17, 2024
Rise in Domestic Violence Crimes: Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Responds
Macomb County, MI – The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office is seeing a significant increase in domestic violence crimes, as highlighted by the recent surge in warrant requests. The Domestic Violence Unit adapted to this increase by implementing new technology, providing training, educating students to stop the cycle of violence and providing victim services.
The increase in domestic violence crimes, as evidenced by a surge in warrant requests between January and July 2024 where local law enforcement agencies referred 2,105 domestic violence-related warrant requests to the office. This follows a total of 2,650 referrals in 2023, a significant rise from 1,982 in 2022 and 1,919 in 2021. These figures represent a stark shift from previous years, with 1,834 referrals in 2020 and 1,977 in 2019.
The Domestic Violence Unit, staffed by three dedicated assistant prosecuting attorneys, prosecutes misdemeanors carrying penalties of up to 93 days in jail to murder charges. Victim advocacy services also provide domestic violence victims essential support throughout the legal process.
"Domestic violence is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. Our office is dedicated to prosecuting offenders while providing essential support to survivors,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The office has streamlined its processes, with new technology allowing for the paperless handling of warrant requests and the rapid review of body camera footage and other digital evidence. These advancements have reduced the backlog of pending requests to historic lows, enhancing the efficiency of the Domestic Violence Unit.
In addition to prosecuting offenders, the Prosecutor’s Office achieved a 67% increase in the percentage of crime victims receiving crucial support services, reflecting its dedication to victims’ rights and comprehensive care for those impacted by domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Unit is taking proactive steps to address domestic violence and violence in schools by offering free presentations to students. These sessions cover topics like the cycle of violence, how to report abuse, and the consequences of domestic violence. By educating students on the real-life impact of such behavior, the office aims to prevent violence, keep teens out of the criminal justice system, and equip them with tools to avoid toxic relationships.
In a further effort to enhance the expertise of the Domestic Violence Unit, a assistant prosecutor in the Unit recently attended the PAAM Violence Against Women SANE Sexual Assault and Strangulation training, expanding her knowledge and skills in these critical areas.
For more information on domestic violence and resources available in Macomb County, please visit the Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Unit webpage at https://www.macombgov.org/domesticviolence.