PORTLAND (AP) – Crime dropped overall last year in Maine but violent crime increased slightly and there was a significant jump in domestic violence, the Maine Department of Public Safety reported Tuesday.

Domestic violence grew 11.4 percent in 2003 even as overall crime dropped 2.1 percent, according to preliminary numbers. Violent crime grew 1.4 percent.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael P. Cantara said he was troubled by the growth in domestic violence, which is a continuing problem in Maine. Eight of the 15 murders in 2003 were classified as domestic-related.

“Domestic violence persists as a widespread problem in Maine demanding the constant attention of law enforcement, victim advocates and prosecutors,” Cantara said in a statement released in Augusta.

While domestic violence grew, rape decreased by 9.7 percent after four consecutive years of increases. Despite the drop, rape also remains a problem area for law enforcement officials in Maine, Cantara said.

“We must encourage victims to come forward to report sexual assault and there is a network of service providers in Maine ready to assist. Perpetrators can only be held accountable if these sexual assaults are reported,” he said.

Despite the increase in violent crime, Maine remains a safe place. The rate for violent crime in Maine for 2003 was one offense per 1,000 people. That compared to the national average of five per 1,000 for 2002.

Crime dropped more in rural areas (3.1 percent) than in urban areas (1.8 percent). Offenses on the rise in urban areas were rape, robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft and arson. Rural crimes showing the greatest increases were aggravated assault and larceny-theft.

The Uniform Crime Reporting Division at the Maine Department of Public Safety tabulates the crime numbers based on reported crimes from local, county and state law enforcement agencies.

Offenses include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

The UCR statistics show that 33,708 index offenses were reported to police during 2003 for a total drop of 2.1 percent.

The value of stolen property dropped to $23.77 million from $24.46 million, the report said. Police recovered $8 million of the stolen property for a 34 percent recovery rate.

AP-ES-05-11-04 1654EDT