Police, prosecutors and victim advocates worry coronavirus stay-at-home order will cause spike in domestic violence

Seattle police have seen a 22% increase in 911 calls for domestic-violence related incidents in recent weeks, while Bellevue police have seen a 17% rise. Amid concerns that violence will increase as victims remain at home with abusers, King County Superior Court is now enabling victims to file online petitions for protection orders and requiring court appearances to be conducted by phone.