TEXARKANA -- The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department has reported an increase in domestic violence crimes this month.
Domestic Violence Prevention Inc., is also seeing an uptick in cases that can be attributed to several reasons.
"A lot of it is stress about finances. I would say 70% to 75% of our causes stem from problems about money," said James Roberts, director of operations for DVP. "Another reason is jealousy," Roberts said.
He said many people have returned to the workplace after working from home due to COVID. Having their partner back around more people of the opposite sex, results in more jealousy, Roberts said.
In January, there have already have 50 misdemeanor domestic violence crimes reported, 11 felony domestic violence crimes reported, 17 misdemeanor domestic violence crime arrests, and five felony domestic crime arrests, according to TAPD. Those numbers don't even reflect the last few days of the month.
"As a police department, we work the cases, but we want to help with prevention as well," said a post on TAPD's Facebook page. The department works closely with Domestic Violence Prevention Inc. to raise awareness of domestic violence.
The Texarkana Texas Police Department have received 18 family violence reports this month and made eight arrests, said TTPD Spokesman Shawn Vaughn.
The number of arrests could increase later if a victim opts to pursue charges at a later date.
"If the suspect is on scene and we determine that they were the primary aggressor, we will make an immediate arrest, " Vaughn said.
"There is a time limit on us being able to make a warrantless arrest. If it's outside of that window, then we have to get a warrant later and serve it when we find the suspect," he said.
Roberts said cases have increased overall since COVID.
"We used to average about 900 cases a year, now it's more like 1300 to 1400," Roberts said.
According to DVP statistics, there were 1,497 cases reported to the agency in 2020 compared to 1,308 in 2019 and 900 in 2018.
So far this year, DVP has had 86 cases reported this month alone, Roberts said.
And numerous domestic violence incidents go unreported.
"A lot of the time the victim feels like there is nobody to help or they don't realize we are here. Many times, they are also wary of authorities or afraid it will reflect badly on them or their children," Roberts said.
One thing that should never prevent someone from calling DVP is the rising number of cases.
"Just because our numbers are high, we would never turn anyone away. Even if our numbers get up to 10,000 cases we will still take in that next person," Roberts said. "And our confidentiality is strict," he said.
DVP serves 10 counties in the Texarkana area and offers an assortment of comprehensive services to victims of family violence including emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy to help clients obtain protective orders, individual and group counseling to meet physical and emotional needs, help with transportation, groceries, hygiene items and more.
In addition to its free services, the non-profit also has 24-hour Crisis Hotline. The number is 903-793-4357 (HELP).
Anyone who needs a protective order should call 903-794-4000.