Domestic violence deaths surge in King County as victim services face funding crisis

The number of domestic violence deaths in the county last year were even higher than in the COVID-19 pandemic.

KING COUNTY, Wash. — A growing number of domestic violence deaths across King County is raising urgent concerns about whether people in danger can access help and whether the safety net designed to protect them is starting to fray.

“Every life lost is a call for change,” said Judy Chen, executive director of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

New data from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office shows more people are killing their intimate partners and family members.