Matthew Kemeny of The Patriot-News wrote an article about a report that indicates domestic violence fatalities have increased statewide in Pennsylvania.

According to the article a preliminary statewide report shows domestic violence fatalities at its highest mark in three years. There were 179 deaths due to domestic violence in 2009 compared with 121 in 2007, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/2008_DV_Fatality_Report.pdf ). 

The article further states “The downturn in the economy is one of the biggest contributors to the increase in fatalities, “It’s about power and control,” as (the batterer) loses control in other areas of their life, they’ll try to increase control over their partner and spouse. The frequency and severity of the violence often will increase.”

Given the current state of the economy there is a double edged sword, domestic violence increases and unfortunately services decrease due to lack of funding…a vicious cycle!

You can read the entire article here http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/03/domestic_violence_fatalities_h.html.