News 12 is getting a closer look at domestic violence and the danger for police officers in the Hudson Valley after an officer was shot in Orange County.

The FBI says domestic violence calls and traffic stops are among the most dangerous for police.

Authorities say that an officer in Middletown was shot in the forearm alongside his patrol car on Myrtle Avenue on Saturday while trying to help a woman who flagged him down.

Officials say the officer fired back and shot the suspect, who remains alive.

It's not the first time a police officer in Orange County was shot responding to a domestic violence call.

In 2017, Montgomery Police Chief Arnold "Butch" Amthor was shot in the shoulder by a suspect who then turned the gun on himself.

Fearless Director Kelliann Kostyal-Larrier, a co-trainer for police programs geared toward victim and officer safety, says domestic violence is a growing community concern.

"These are extremely dangerous situations – not only for victims, survivors and their children but for many law enforcement officers responding to incidents. We must always take them seriously and work together as a community,” she says.

Mayor Joe Destefano says the incident is an example of why defunding police in his city won't work, adding, "Imagine how this would have ended if a social worker was dispatched rather than a police officer."

Authorities say a loaded handgun was recovered at the scene and that both the officer and suspect are expected to recover.  

The Middletown incident is still under investigation. No charges have been filed.