Matthew J. Ruff Domestic Violence Law Blog on Lawyers.com

"I would call it a year that shows a sizable increase over last year," said Tate Lawrence, a local County sheriff.

This year, the arrest count is up to 27 (four female and 23 male), as of July 31, according to Izard County Sheriff's Office. In 2008, Izard County domestic violence arrests totaled 33, four female and 29 male, according to Izard County Sheriff's Office data.

"Even though the numbers seem higher in 2009, they are still lower than they were when I started in 2005," Lawrence said. "Our numbers, if they hold true for 2009, they are going to be around 45."

Sticking to the same policy that reduced Izard County violence arrests after 2005 is the best way to combat the increase.

"I think we have to continue to aggressively deal with domestic violence cases," Lawrence said. "When we look at these issues, it is often associated with alcohol, and sometimes it can be economic downturn that leads people to alcohol. We have to continue to say by our actions that if you commit domestic violence."

Most often, domestic violence is connected to alcohol or drug use. Police Officers responding to such calls are in a high state of danger, never knowing what the offending party is capable of until they are in the situation.