Experts say domestic violence cases are rising in Southwest Florida

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A double homicide in Arcadia that investigators say was a domestic incident is highlighting what an advocate is calling a growing, and often deadly, pattern of violence.

Experts say domestic violence is not only widespread but escalating in severity, both nationwide and here in Southwest Florida.

According to the FBI's most recent report on domestic relationships, 27.5% of all violent crimes in 2024 involved a domestic relationship, a number that has steadily increased in recent years.

Nearly 80% of those incidents happen inside a home, making domestic violence a crime that often goes unseen until it turns serious or deadly.

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Women account for 74.5% of victims, while 77% of offenders are male, and many attacks involve personal weapons like hands or fists.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that 24 people per minute are victims of intimate partner violence, totaling more than 12 million people each year.

Southwest Florida is also seeing an increase in domestic violence numbers.

“We see an increase lately in the number of victims coming in for services, and we see a lot of the instances are more violent than they have been in the past,” said Jennifer Benton, CEO of Abuse Counseling and Treatment Services (ACT), a Southwest Florida nonprofit that supports domestic violence victims.

Benton says the injuries they are seeing are severe, including broken bones and even broken necks. She says the emotional trauma can last far longer than physical wounds.

Benton says one of the most dangerous moments in an abusive relationship is when a victim tries to leave.

“Many times, when a person is leaving, that is one of the most dangerous times,” Benton said. “The abuser may decide to kill them at that time for leaving.”

National data supports that danger.

The FBI reports 11,466 people were killed in domestic violence-related incidents between 2020 and 2024.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the presence of a gun increases the risk of homicide by 500% in domestic violence situations.

Benton says her organization is seeing more cases where abusers have access to firearms and threaten victims with them.

“We are seeing more and more people carrying guns and threatening to shoot or kill,” she said.

In Florida, domestic violence is tied to a significant number of homicides.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, which compiles data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 220 people were killed in domestic violence cases in 2021 — about 1 in 5 murders statewide.

At the same time, in their FY 24-25 report, thousands of survivors are seeking help.

Florida Department of Children and Families report:

• 12,425 survivors stayed in shelters

• More than 624,000 nights of emergency shelter were provided

• 74,381 crisis hotline calls were made

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In Southwest Florida alone, ACT served 2,800 victims last year — not including their children, according to Benton.

Benton says many victims stay in dangerous situations longer than people might expect, often because of fear, threats, or lack of resources.

“People don’t always understand why someone doesn’t leave,” she said. “There’s a lot they don’t know — threats to harm children, take them away, or even harm pets.”

She adds that legal protections, such as injunctions, don’t always stop abusers.

“It’s only a piece of paper—some don’t pay any attention to it,” Benton said.

Help is Available—Often Free

ACT offers emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and safety planning — all free and confidential.

Advocates say the first step for anyone in danger is reaching out, even anonymously.

“If you can discreetly call our hotline {239-939-3112} and talk to a counselor, we can help you make a plan to leave safely,” Benton said.

Advocates stress that domestic violence often follows a pattern — one that can escalate if warning signs are ignored.

They say support from family, friends, and the community can make a critical difference.

“The best thing you can do is support a victim and help them through the process,” Benton said.

As investigators continue to piece together what led to the Arcadia double homicide, advocates hope increased awareness can help prevent future tragedies.

A list of domestic violence resources is provided below:

• The Shelter for Abused Women & Children | TEXT or CALL 24-hour confidential Crisis Hotline at 239-775-1101
• The Gabby Petito Foundation Domestic Violence Resources
• National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | TEXT "START" to 88788
• Find your Local Domestic Violence Center
• ACT Abuse Counseling and Treatment | 239-939-3112
• Children's Advocacy Center of SWFL | 239-939-2808
• St. Matthews House | 239-774-0500
• Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies, Inc. | 1501 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 | Hotline: 941-627-6000 or 941-637-0404 (Sexual Assault Helpline)