The Maine Department of Public Safety released the state’s crime statistics for 2012 late last month.
While Maine remains one of safest states in the nation, there were some points for celebration and some cause for concern with this year’s report.
After a jump of 5.4 percent of overall crime reported in 2011 ”“ the largest increase since 1975 ”“ it was good news that, overall, crime in the state decreased by about 1.5 percent in 2012, according to the department. The only increases were in robberies and domestic violence.
Robberies numbered 421 in 2012, compared to 370 the year before, which equates to a nearly 14 percent increase. Robberies had decreased in 2011 by 11 percent, but showed increases in 2009 and 2010.
Public Safety Commissioner John E. Morris again pegged the increases to drug abuse, saying “Drugs remain a key reason for much of the crime in Maine as addicts commit these robberies to feed their habits,” he said, adding, “Prescription drug abuse is responsible for much of the state’s drug problem.”
Morris noted that the increase in robberies can be solely attributed to the 56 pharmacy robberies ”“ a state record ”“ in 2012.
Domestic violence assaults also increased by 4.5 percent, with 5,593 reported in 2012 compared with 5,353 in 2011. The increase in 2011 was also 4.6 percent.
Morris said he hoped that the increase in domestic assaults is due to higher reporting, as victims may be more likely to report crimes because of greater response by law enforcement and support from groups like the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.
Also of note was the drop of reported rapes by nearly 6 percent compared with 2011.
The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault pointed out, though, that reported rapes are far fewer than actual rapes and sexual violence.
In a statement following the report’s release, Cara Courchesne, spokeswoman for the MECASA, said “It’s important to realize that the decrease is in the number of rapes and attempted rapes reported to law enforcement, not the number of actual rapes and attempted rapes perpetrated. Approximately 13,000 Mainers experience sexual violence each year, and in 2012, 368 rapes and attempted rapes were reported. Clearly, there’s a huge gap.”
Rape has been shown to be underreported, she said, due to the “personal nature of rape.” She encouraged anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence or anyone who knows someone who has been a victim to call the organization’s confidential sexual assault crisis and support line.
It’s good to see that Maine is back on a downward trend for overall crime, and that the state continues to be a pretty safe place to be. We also hope that the increase in domestic violence reporting is due to better regulations and support from law enforcement and nonprofits like Caring Unlimited. Gov. Paul LePage has led the charge ”“ along with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle ”“ to strengthen domestic violence laws and give more protection to victims and their families.
Victims of domestic and sexual violence should report these crimes and get the support and justice they need and deserve. The MECASA confidential sexual assault crisis and support line can be reached at (800) 871-7741 or TTY (888) 458-5599; and The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence can be reached at (866) 834-4357.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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