Data shows uptick in domestic violence-related homicides in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Data from the Columbus Division of Police shows a recent uptick in domestic violence-related homicides.

The numbers show there have been three in the last week, bringing the total so far this year to 14. At the end of June, there were only 7 reported.

Although numbers are still lower than last year, which police said was the worst year on record for domestic violence-related homicides, directors of Franklin County’s only domestic violence shelter said they are feeling the need this summer. Lutheran Social Services Choices runs the only domestic violence shelter in Franklin County.

Dr. Maria Houston Beck, the executive director for Lutheran Social Services Choices, said when they hear the statistic that domestic violence is going up they feel it.

“It's scary and it's concerning,” Beck said.

She said what they are seeing is high lethality coming through their hotline.

“I mean that we are finding that the survivors that are coming to us have experience being shot," Beck said. "They've been stabbed. They've been beaten. And so, when we say high lethality, those individuals are in high danger of losing their lives."

Beck said they currently have 148 residents in their facility: some are men, some are women. She said more than half of the people staying there are children.

“There is hope and that you are not alone, that we are here and available to you. So wherever you are, we want to meet you where you are,” Beck said.

There have been two murder-suicide cases in Columbus over the past week. Both are believed to have stemmed from domestic violence.

In 2023, police said the city saw more of these incidents than ever before with 25 domestic violence homicides. Beck said there are things she thinks can help stop the numbers from trending upwards.

“I think some of the things that should continue happening is that the bonds are set high, that individuals that have warrants, that they are being arrested and retained so that they're not sent back into the community to then further victimize these other individuals," Beck said. "And I think of increasing our education and awareness to everyone in the community."

Beck said their hotline is available 24/7, just call 614-224-4663. She said they also have advocates who will go to court with survivors to help them through that time.