Sheriff: Domestic violence an increasing problem in Grant Co.

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said last week that domestic violence continues to be an issue in Grant County with the number of calls year-over-year increasing for aid in domestic violence situations. He said the growth may be proportionate as the county’s population grows, but the growing numbers are still cause for concern.

“Every year, it seems to go up here, and I don’t think it’s because we have more and more bad people. I don’t think that’s the case. I just think as the population grows, probably percentage-wise, it would be very consistent,” Kriete said during a recording of the STUDIO BASIN podcast. 

More than 200 calls for assistance associated with domestic violence were received each of the last three years, 2021-2023, Kriete said. In 2023, that number approached 300. While the number didn’t exceed 300, each year the number did increase and the number doesn't include unreported instances or instances wherein domestic violence may not have been the main reason for the call. Kriete said he believes that factors such as financial, family and other stresses tend to figure into the prevalence of domestic violence calls. One concern he has is that, usually, domestic violence is an ongoing issue, and when a sheriff’s deputy or other officer is called in, it’s usually because the situation has gotten to a breaking point. 

“A lot of times, with our domestic violence problems, the time that law enforcement gets called in, that’s typically not the first time a domestic violence issue has happened,” Kriete said. “That would be probably the time that somebody has had enough, so to speak, and they’re looking for help to try to get out of a situation that they’ve been in for quite some time.” 

Each domestic violence call has unique challenges, Kriete said. There’s no one way to respond to the call, but the goal is always to ensure everyone in the situation is safe. Law enforcement prioritizes domestic violence calls because they constitute a crime against a person as opposed to property theft or other nonviolent crimes. 

“Anytime there’s a danger against a person, that is a priority,” he said. 

Dispatchers with MACC-911, the county’s dispatching center, provide as much information as possible to the responding officers. The assault may still be ongoing, one of the people involved may be barricaded away from the other parties, or the situation may have come generally to a close and everyone is separated or somewhat calmed down. Each call is different and requires different precautions, he said. Once the situation is de-escalated and any arrests are made, officers move into the investigation. Statements are taken, evidence is gathered and information on community resources are provided to the victim. 

There is help available from local agencies, Kriete said. That includes New Hope and Kids Hope, the two primary agencies GCSO refers domestic violence victims to. Some cases are referred to Child Protective Services when a minor is involved in the situation. Law enforcement officers are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report the incident to CPS if a child is involved. Kriete said cases involving minors are particularly difficult for officers. 

“It’s taxing, and not only is it taxing on the kids and families, but it is taxing on the investigators and deputies that work on those cases, because, we have big hearts too.” 

Many of the officers with GCSO and its area partners are parents, Kriete said. That makes children’s issues particularly challenging. 

In the end, Kriete said it’s important for everyone to be aware of what’s going on and to report incidents of concern, taking an “If you see something, say something.” approach. Fortunately, he said, Grant County and the Columbia Basin as a whole tends to have a sense of community.

“I just appreciate our communities we have so much in Grant County. It really is unbelievable.” 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller may be reached at editor@columbiabasinherald.com. To listen to the full interview with Sheriff Kriete, visit https://bit.ly/4drpDDW. 

Need help? Know someone who does?

Those facing domestic violence concerns can contact the following organizations for assistance. 

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
www.domesticviolenceinforeferral.org

New Hope
24/7 Hotline: 888-560-6027
Main phone: 509-764-8402
311 W. Third Ave.
Moses Lake, WA 98837

Child Protective Services
Report Abuse: 800-557-9671