10:19 PM CDT, May 24, 2010
HUNTSVILLE, AL - The numbers are in for crime in 2009. Violent crime in the nation went down 5.5%. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The number of violent crimes in Huntsville was down by more than 50 crimes from last year. The Crisis Services of North Alabama says we had hundreds more domestic violence cases in Madison County than we did in 2008.
Bill Farris is with Crisis Services of North Alabama. One of his primary jobs is helping victims of domestic violence.
"Domestic violence is when you're dealing with someone who says they love you and they turn around and hurt you. It's when you can't even feel safe in your own home. It's when you can't be safe around the person who you're supposed to trust above all others to keep you safe. In dealing with all of that, you're really talking about a horrible crime," said Farris.
Violent crimes are actually on the decline, both across the United States and in Huntsville, according to the FBI.
"We haven't seen those figures translate to domestic violence. In fact, we've had a few more," added Farris.
Farris says victims in Madison County have reported 209 more attacks in 2009 than they reported in 2008.
One of those victims talked to us by phone about the almost 6% national drop in violent crimes.
"I think that's terrific. It sounds to me like police are doing their jobs," said the victim.
The victim's legal case is still on-going, but being victimized has not stopped her from living.
"I'm glad he is still in a place where he can't hurt me, and believe he should suffer the consequences for his behavior. I don't dwell on it, and I don't carry resentment because that would just injure me," added the victim.
The victim says even though she's moved away, she has paid attention to all types of violent crime in our area.
She says the shootings at Discovery Middle School and the University of Alabama in Huntsville are among those that stick out the most.
"I'm still very surprised that kind of thing goes on in Huntsville. It is sad. It makes it hard to believe that the statistics have actually gone down," added the victim.
The FBI crime statistics report also focused on the Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery areas. All three of those areas have seen a decline in violent crimes as well. You can view the report by clicking here.
Farris help to those who need it is always just a phone call away. He says people staff the lines 24 hours a day. The number is (256) 716-1000.
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