City of Spokane Domestic Violence Project

The City of Spokane is a mid-size city, fourth largest in the state, yet still has four of the top 10 lowest income ZIP Codes in the state with an estimated 19.4% of city residents being at or below the poverty line with homelessness and behavioral health concerns being an important challenge.  Data obtained from the Spokane Municipal Court indicated that between 2016 and 2021 there was an average of 846 Assault 4-Domestic Violence charges filed and 606 Violation of No Contact Order charges filed per year.  Additionally, the outlined period shows a total of 10,717 domestic violence related charges filed, or an average of 1,786 charges filed per year.  Nationally, statistics have shown that nearly 80% (8,773 of cases noted above) of Domestic Violence related offenses are drug and/or alcohol involved and that addressing domestic violence, substance use, and/or mental health issues simultaneously has shown to be the most effective manner in reducing violent crime.  Spokane’s high rate of domestic violence crime has been a primary focus of the City Administration, and the Congressionally Designated Spending funding opportunities provides the best resources to support treatment to effectively address the City’s domestic violence problem.