RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards expressed concern over a significant rise in domestic violence cases during his recent update on the city's 2025 crime trends.
"We saw a disturbing trend this year," he said during his mid-year crime briefing Thursday.
Edwards said his department has dealt with 56 domestic violence calls in the first six months of 2025, which is 24% over the average of the last seven years at the same point in time (46).
But Edwards added these numbers likely do not capture the full scope of the problem and implied that community fears about ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions could be a contributing factor.
When asked about the recent news that an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agent had improperly used his access to RPD's automated license plated reader system for an immigration investigation, Edwards mentioned that the focus of his department was to maintain trust with the community so that feel comfortable calling 911.
"A disturbing trend we found, and it's not a scientific study, but in Southwood, mid-year, which is a, you know, a large Latino population," he said. "I don't know the demographics on legal or illegal, but I know that 34% reduction in calls for 911 are down this year as compared to last year. Same percentage, 34% less, of those designated calls for domestic violence. So, I'm sure there are women who are being abused in Southwood who are not calling the Richmond Police Department, and that concerns me greatly."
Watch: Murders are up, robberies and non-fatal shootings are down in Richmond
"I'm sure there are women who are being abused in Southwood who are not calling the Richmond Police Department and that concerns me greatly," Edwards said.
The YWCA has also seen increased demand for domestic violence support services.
Shawntee Winn, Senior Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at the organization, reported a 6% rise in calls to their 24-hour hot line from fiscal year 2024 to 2025.
"It's been a lot of work with helping women and families," Winn said. "It is a very isolating issue for folks and it is so critical for folks to know that this support is out here."
Watch: Police chief calls out 'disturbing' Richmond crime trend
City officials are discussing the creation of a Family Justice Center to better coordinate resources for survivors of domestic violence.
"That, in turn, will hopefully help her be willing to testify, if necessary, in court against the abuser, and that way we can get justice for her and her family and the community," Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin said.
Winn noted that discussions about the center, which would involve businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, are in the early stages. The planning process will include seeking community input.
Anyone who believes they need help is encouraged to call the YWCA's 24-hour hotline at 804-612-6126.
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