20 Percent Rise In Domestic Violence Cases

Last year was the worst year for domestic violence cases in Orange County, WFTV learned Friday. The Harbor House finished totaling its figures, and for the year between June 2009 and June 2010, it recorded a 20 percent increase in incidents.

The group blames the bad economy and unemployment.

A suspect runs his ex-girlfriend off Interstate 4 and then stabs her to death. Another man accused of shooting his wife is shot by police.

Serious cases of domestic violence in Central Florida are piling up.

"The cases that we've seen are much more brutal, much more frightening, and much more lethal than we've seen before," said Carol Wick of Harbor House.

Carol Wick is with Harbor House of Central Florida. The group provides a 24-hour crisis hotline and a shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Wick said after 20 years on the job, things have never been worse.

Counselors call it a perfect storm. Orlando has historically been a hot spot for domestic violence. Add in a rising unemployment rate, and you end up with record numbers.

Over the last year in Orange County, there was a 20 percent jump in domestic violence cases, a 40 percent increase in victims fearing they could be killed and a 100 percent increase in domestic abuse-related deaths.

"It's getting worse because the economy is getting worse," Wick said. "One of the most dangerous warning signs is when a batterer has lost their job."

Wick pleads with people at the first signs of trouble to call for help.

"The research shows that people who call an advocate and get a safety plan are 98 percent more likely to survive that relationship than someone who doesn't take that one simple step," she said.

You can go to the Harbor House of Central Florida's website for more information (website).