Some domestic violence crimes, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, trending up, report says

Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald on Jun 8, 2026

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BOSTON — Some domestic violence crimes like murder and non-negligent manslaughter are trending up in Massachusetts, according to a new statewide report.

The State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team’s 2025 Annual Report noted there was a nearly 20% increase in those crimes in 2024, compared to 2023.

There were 31 murders and non-negligent manslaughter related to domestic violence in 2024, which is the latest data, up from 26 the prior year. Domestic violence related intimidation was also up about 8%, the report said.

Despite those increases, other categories like simple and aggravated assault had decreased slightly.

The team that drafted the report was created by a 2014 state law, with the stated goal to “decrease preventable domestic violence fatalities.”

Each year, in addition to looking at the statewide data, the team also looks at several specific fatalities and forms a report. Those listed among the members are State Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, as well as representatives from the Office of Probation, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Parole Board, and Executive Officer of Public Safety and Security, among others.

“This year, several themes emerged from our reviews that require our attention and action. We observed recurring patterns in crisis, judicial response and funding,” wrote the team’s chair Vilma Uribe, who is also the executive director of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking. “These highlight both the challenges we face and the opportunities available to strengthen our system and save lives.”

This year’s report made several recommendations, including amending the current statutes to include other offices departments on the review team, like the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Children and Families.

The report also recommends considering a pilot program for a Domestic Violence Crisis Emergency Response Team, which would work in the immediate aftermath to support survivors, as well as increased education for survivors, so that they understand their rights as their case moves through the legal system.

It also noted that money that was allotted to domestic violence programming was almost slashed from the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The report recommended not only finding stable funding for domestic violence programs, it asked that funding be increased.

“To those we have lost: we remember you. To those working to prevent future tragedies: thank you,” Uribe wrote. “To those experiencing violence: we see you, and support is available.”

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