Domestic violence upswing: Recession is making folks smack their spouses up

It’s the stupid economy.

Apparently the dour economy is to blame for the revolting headlines inviting readers to delve into the details of men killing babies, beating and raping women and murdering their families.

That's according to the U.S. Department of Justice report, "When Violence Hits Home: How Economics and Neighborhood Play a Role."

And David Braughton, chief executive officer of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, would be the first to agree.

This article appears in Aug 19-25, 2009.