Connecticut saw a decline in homicides in 2025, but deaths related to family violence increased, accounting for nearly a third of all homicides statewide, according to the latest state crime data.
The data shows there were 70 murders and negligent manslaughters in Connecticut in 2025, down from 90 in 2024. However, the number of family violence homicide victims increased from 19 to 22 during the same period.
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The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence(CCADV) says the numbers highlight the need for different approaches to addressing family violence, which advocates say can be difficult for victims to report.
“There could be a lot of fear, obviously, involved from the abuser, but also from the communities that they might live in,” said Meghan Scanlon, president and CEO of CCADV.
Scanlon said the latest figures are not surprising, but they suggest traditional crime-fighting strategies may not be as effective in preventing family violence.
“We know that we need to be doing more,” Scanlon said.
She believes addressing the problem requires looking beyond law enforcement and treating family violence as a broader issue.
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“I think we need to be treating this issue as both a public safety issue, but also a public health issue,” Scanlon said.
Part of that approach involves encouraging people to speak up when they recognize potential signs of abuse and increasing awareness through employers and health care providers.
Scanlon said education is another critical component, particularly when it comes to teaching young people about healthy relationships and recognizing abusive behavior.
“What is a healthy relationship? How to identify some of the signs, especially with this report, teen dating violence, obviously,” Scanlon said.
She said those conversations should begin as early as middle school, with schools providing age-appropriate lessons about healthy relationships and the different forms abuse can take.
“You teach age-appropriate healthy relationships and age-appropriate what does this look like if you experience it from the non-physical to the physical forms of abuse,” Scanlon said.
CCADV is also working with the state Division of Criminal Justice to create a task force that would examine state crime data and develop recommendations to address family violence.
Ultimately, Scanlon hopes these efforts will help tackle the underlying issue of abuse while ensuring those who exhibit abusive behavior face consequences.
“People that are behaving poorly or are showing these signs of behavior that they’re going to be held accountable,” Scanlon said.
CT Safe Connect provides resources in Connecticut for survivors of domestic violence seeking services.If you need help or just someone to talk to, visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7.
Si necesitas información o si solo quieres conversar con alguien, por favor visite CTSafeConnect.org o llamada or texto (888) 774-2900. Los consejeros estará disponible las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
