Stats show domestic violence crimes decreasing; DA credits police, YWCA, special unit.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Scott J. Croteau

WORCESTER - Domestic violence crimes are declining this year, a trend many hope continues with the addition of $400,000 in federal grant money aimed at giving more services to those in need.

While police officials continue to review the statistics showing the decline, many believe the decrease is because of hard work and services by area organizations and law enforcement agencies.

"I think it is starting to show what we are doing is working," Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said of the statistics. "We have a collaboration of Worcester police, YWCA and our full-time domestic violence unit."

Worcester police statistics show that from Sept. 27, 2008, to Sept. 26, 2009, there were 4,304 domestic incidents. From Sept. 27, 2009, to Sept. 26, 2010, there were 3,466, a decrease of 19.5 percent.

The statistics show more than 20 percent decreases in domestic assaults with a dangerous weapon and domestic assaults and batteries in the same period. The number of restraining orders is up, statistics show. From Sept. 27, 2008, to Sept. 26, 2009, there were 1,319 restraining orders sought. There were 1,426 orders sought from Sept. 27, 2009, to Sept. 26, 2010.

The two-year, roughly $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will help the Police Department hire an officer solely dedicated to domestic violence.

During fiscal constraints and loss of personnel, the Police Department closed the Special Crimes Unit and with that the domestic violence unit. Those special crimes investigators moved into the investigative unit, which is under the control of one commander who reports to a deputy chief.

Even with the loss of the unit, Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said, his department remained committed to combating domestic violence and maintained partnerships with the YWCA of Central Massachusetts and the Worcester Intervention Network, which is housed in the police station.

"We believe working with all the domestic violence partners, there is enough outreach that we capture a high number of domestic violence crimes," Chief Gemme said.

The recent death of Kristi M. LeClair, who was found dead in her West Street apartment last month, highlights domestic violence and relationships with a history of abuse.

The cause of Ms. LeClair's death, as of last week, had not been determined, but her longtime boyfriend, Jamaal F. Dottin, has been charged with assaulting her.

Worcester County has seen a number of domestic homicides over...