COLUMBUS, Ohio — New data released this week suggests there were more incidents of crime and domestic violence in Columbus in 2023 compared to 2022.

It shows there were 733 felony domestic violence cases in 2023 — that’s nearly triple the number of cases from 2022. Meanwhile, the city also reported an increase in homicides and felony assaults.

What You Need To Know

  • New data found Columbus had an increase in crime and domestic violence in 2023

  • The same data suggests that armed robberies and car thefts decreased in 2023

  • One of the goals for Mayor Andrew Ginther is to hire more officers to help settle the issues

Across the Buckeye State, Cincinnati reported the least amount of violent crime it's seen over the last decade. Dayton saw the number of homicides, aggravated robberies and aggravated assaults jump from where they were in 2022.

"Fewer than 500 people in this community are committing 50% of the violence," said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. "Twenty-five deaths were linked to domestic violence situations in 2023, the year before that. So, we have a domestic violence crisis in this community."

To curb those numbers, Ginther said the city is investing in public safety resources to get ahead of the issue. 

"To expand the number of beds available for women in domestic violence situations so we can get them out of those situations before they escalate and ultimately become deadly," said Ginther. 

However, city officials also admit the numbers could be a little deceiving. That’s because a new law makes strangulation a felony. That law went into effect in April last year, and gave police more opportunities to make certain arrests. 

"Strangulation is defined now as any act that impedes the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat or neck or covering the nose or mouth. That's a change in definition, and increased the numbers of cases of felony cases investigated by our detectives," said Deputy Chief Greg Bodker with Columbus police. 

Meanwhile, nearly 1,400 felony assaults were reported in the city last year, which is about 50 more than 2022. The city’s homicide rate jumped by nearly 7%. But, police made it a point to get illegal guns off the street. Going forward, the city’s police chief said one of their big focuses is to keep kids out of crime.

"We took 3,693 weapons off the street," said Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. "That is an astronomical increase from last year. We work with organizations like 'Legacy Youth.' We know that organized sports is very helpful to keep the kids focused on something. We work within parks and recreation with our inspire sports, so we're trying to make sure that we're doing things to a proactive standpoint. But again, this is not a police. It is a community effort." 

Ginther said to combat some of the crime part of his goal is to get nearly 150 new police officers hired into the force to help combat the issues. 

"We're learning new lessons every day, and we're tapping into the data to deploy new solutions with our residents and their well-being," Ginther said. "Our vision is for Columbus to be the safest big city in America. We know we're not there yet. That's why we're making critical investments to carry this important work forward."