Nine Killed in Domestic Disputes in SC County in 2012

Since 2000, the annual number of domestic violence-related deaths in Santa Clara County has ranged from a high of 21 in 2003 to as low as three in 2008.

The Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Death Review Team is set to give its annual report on Feb. 14, detailing the numbers from 2012.

According to county group, there were nine domestic violence-related deaths in the county last year. 

Using the available data, which goes back to 2000, the average number of annual deaths has been 11.2, showing a decrease from that number last year as well as a decrease from 2011, when there were 17 deaths.

However, the average since 2004 is just 7.8, showing an uptick in 2012 from that figure.

The team will give its report at 12:30 in the West Wing third floor conference room of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, 70 West Hedding St., San Jose.

State Senator Elaine Alquist will speak about a new law she sponsored which helps law enforcement remove guns from dangerous Domestic Violence batterers, according to a press release.

Supervising Deputy District Attorney Steven Dick will also speak. According to the release, his message will be, "We strongly encourage all victims, their families, and friends to speak up when they see any act of domestic violence and to take important precautionary measures. Lives can be saved if people create safety plans, work with domestic violence advocates, and help law enforcement safely and securely remove firearms."

Do you think the domestic violence death numbers are significant? What can we do about it? Tell us in the comments!