Domestic violence cases on the rise

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Domestic violence cases are on the rise, a disturbing trend made more disturbing by the fact that the federal law dealing with domestic violence has expired. New efforts have been underway to get it back on the books.

Recent police data shows there were 43,000 thousand incidents of domestic abuse in upstate New York IN 2011. The number is "astounding" according to New York Senator Chuck Schumer who wants to make sure resources are still available to address the problem.

MORE | This issue was made especially poignant on Thursday, when a woman in North Tonawanda allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death using a kitchen knife during a domestic violence incident

"Police training so they know what to do. Law enforcement involved, to prosecute the abuser, and also enforce these orders of protection," Sen. Schumer said.

Schumer is calling for the reinstatement of the Violence Against Women Act, which provided safeguards.

"All of this was put in effect and greatly reduced the amount of spousal abuse in western New York. The law expired, but the good news is that we have bi-partisan support in the Senate, and it should become law rather soon," Sen. Schumer.

There were more than 8,000 instances of domestic abuse in western New York, according to Schumer, and the cases involved assault, sex offenses, and violations of orders of protection. Police agencies in Erie County reported more than 5,000 and in Niagara County more than 1,500.

The Family Justice Center provides free services for domestic violence victims and their children. The Violence Against Women Act allowed for the creation of the agency.

Mary Travers Murphy said, "They can walk in the door and be assured that there are 13 partners, 13 agencies standing ready to address anything and everything they need to get out of a relationship, a difficult, violent, or abusive relationship."

Mary Travers Murphy says all cases are kept confidential and the Family Justice Center now has many sources of funding.

If you or someone you know is being abused, you can call 716-558-7233.