Domestic Violence Incidents Rise

As the holiday season gets in full swing, it’s not all parties and family togetherness. Unfortunately, this time of year also sees a rise in domestic violence.
This past week three people were arrested in two separate incidents of domestic violence here in Cody. In one incident, which took place on November 26th, Nicholas White of Cody was arrested for domestic battery after repeatedly striking his former girlfriend, according to an affidavit filed by Police Officer Seth Horn. The affidavit reports that White became angry with the victim because of a phone conversation she was having with another individual.
In another case, which took place on Monday morning, both parties in a domestic dispute were arrested after their 15 year old child called the police. William and Wendy Lee were taken into custody after an altercation at their home, in which police determined both individuals were at fault.
According to Cody Police Lieutenant Jason Stafford, domestic violence is more likely to occur when stress levels are high. He says that during the holidays, a number of factors increase stress, and therefore, the number of domestic violence incidents rises.

Stafford pointed out that in many cases, domestic incidents can be headed off before violence actually occurs.

Stafford notes that on the actual day of the holidays, The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports a decrease in calls. He says there are nearly 53 percent fewer domestic incidents reported on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.