Mpls. city attorney: domestic violence convictions up 50 pct.

The Minneapolis City Attorney's Office says there's been a 50 percent increase in domestic violence convictions in the city since 2005.

City attorney Susan Segal says the increase is due in part to new law enforcement practices designed to gather stronger evidence at crime scenes.

She says the city is working closer with other government agencies and advocacy groups to help victims get help and that it's important to convict people who commit domestic violence.

"With a conviction, we're able to obtain a no-contact order," she said. "And so that is something that is enforceable and can lead to arrest if the offender seeks to contact the victim again."

The city's animal control unit has also set up temporary shelters for the pets of domestic violence victims. Segal says most victim shelters don't accept pets and some victims are reluctant to leave home if they don't have a place to take their pet.