Domestic Violence Killings Have Nearly Doubled In King County

BELLEVUE, WA — On the first day of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, officials are highlighting an alarming trend emerging in King County.

According to data from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, there have been 13 domestic violence homicide deaths since the year began — and all but one happened during the coronavirus pandemic. By comparison, there were seven deaths linked to domestic violence in all of 2019, and the same number in 2018.

Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, said 28 deaths are linked to domestic violence overall, including murder-suicides, homicides committed by convicted domestic violence offenders and two domestic violence suspects who were shot by law enforcement.

Among the 13 deaths resulting directly from acts of domestic violence, the prosecutor's office said two were from the same case in Bellevue, where Andrew Brown, 30, is accused of stabbing his parents to death in June. As of Aug. 31, at least 30 felony domestic violence cases originated in Bellevue, compared to 37 filed in 2019.

In a news release Thursday, Bellevue city officials addressed the increase seen since the pandemic began, noting a difference that may not be immediately apparent from just the numbers.

"What has changed is the level of violence," said Bellevue Police Department Major Travess Forbush. "Since the pandemic forced us all to stay home, we've seen a 28% increase in felony domestic violence assaults. These situations are more dangerous for the victims; the injuries are more severe."

The city's concerns are shared by advocates for domestic violence survivors.

"We are seeing a sharp increase in the frequency and severity of abuse endured by survivors and their children, including more serious injuries and higher lethality indicators, including more threats with firearms and strangulation," said Rachel Krinsky, executive director of LifeWire. "We are receiving a significant increase in the number of requests for protection orders and an exponential increase in requests for rental and food assistance."

Advocates encourage anyone who is in an abusive situation to reach out for help, which can be done remotely, at any time of day.

The Bellevue-based Lifeline team operates a 24/7 helpline, which helps connect those affected by domestic violence with resources and help. They can be reached by phone at 1-800-827-8840.

Another service operated by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office allows for civil protection orders to be filed by e-mail. More information on how to file can be found on protectionorder.org. A full list of available options are listed on the King County website.

Ways to get help in King County:

• Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, 206-812-1001
• API Chaya, 206-467-9976
• Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, 206-461-4880
• Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN), 425-656-7867
• Dove Project, 206-462-0911
• LifeWire, 425-746-1940
• Mother Nation, 206-722-2321
• New Beginnings, 206-522-9472
• The Northwest Network of LGBT Survivors of Abuse, 206-568-7777
• Refuge Women’s Alliance, 206-721-3846
• Salvation Army, 206-324-4943
• Seattle Indian Health Board, 206-324-9360
• Solid Ground, 206-299-2500
• YWCA, 206-568-7845