Nearly 2,000 Domestic Violence Calls a Year: Yakima’s Hidden Crisis

After the August 9 shooting of a woman by her partner that lead to the fatal shooting of the suspect by Yakima Police highlights a big problem in Yakima, domestic violence.

FAMILIES SEEKING HELP

Yakima police say they answer thousands of calls every year for people in domestic violence situations. In fact on average police respond to nearly 2,000 incidents every year which places Yakima within the top five cities in the state for the number of domestic violence incidents.

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WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?

Often kids are in the home or are present when a domestic situation breaks out and that can traumatize a child. In the past kids weren't part of the equation when Officers arrived and kids weren't given any help after they left. But that's changed under a program that's been in place for years.

HANDLE WITH CARE SINCE 2021

Police and school officials say that's why Yakima Police and the Yakima School District partnered in 2021 and started a program called "Handle With Care."
Officers now identify children who are in a home when they respond to a domestic situation.

HELPING KIDS

The department then contacts the Yakima School District with the name of the student who may need help. District officials and counselors can then help the student in a variety of ways understanding the trauma they've been through.
Yakima Police say the program is making a meaningful impact on the future of the community and kids who have to deal with domestic violence.