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Domestic Violence Takes Devastating Toll in Pennsylvania
As a seasoned crime journalist, I’ve seen my fair share of tragic stories. But none as personal as the case of Rebecca ‘Becky’ Patterson Bibart, a devoted mother and educator from Greenville, Pennsylvania. On November 18, 2010, Becky was brutally murdered by her husband in their home, leaving behind two young children and a community in shock.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women in the United States has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. In Pennsylvania alone, over 1,170 domestic violence victims were killed from 2009 to 2018. These staggering numbers are a harsh reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.
As U.S. Attorney, I’ve made it a priority to address this pressing issue. Through my work with state and local law enforcement partners, we’ve seen significant decreases in violent crime rates in western Pennsylvania. But domestic violence remains a persistent threat, and it’s time for a renewed focus on combating this crisis.
The presence of a firearm during a domestic violence incident increases the risk of homicide by over 500%. That’s why we’re committed to assisting state and local officials in identifying and prosecuting those abusers who should not have guns in the first place. By leveraging federal firearms laws, we can make a meaningful difference in preventing domestic violence-related fatalities.
The formation of the Department of Justice’s first-ever Domestic Violence Working Group in June of this year is a significant step forward in our efforts to combat domestic violence. Through this initiative, we’re leading a national conversation about domestic violence, sharing best practices among federal, state, and local partners, and bringing a renewed focus on prosecuting domestic violence abusers federally.
As we move forward, I urge all Pennsylvanians to join us in this fight against domestic violence. Together, we can create a safer, more just society for all.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your stories, support local organizations working to end domestic violence, and join us in our mission to protect women and families from this devastating crime.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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