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HOW THEY WORK

Unified Domestic Violence Courts improve the handling of domestic violence cases through:

One Family/One Judge: A single presiding judge has been cross-trained to handle all matters—criminal and civil—relating to a family. In the past, a Family Court judge might never hear about an order of protection issued in Criminal Court, or a Criminal Court judge might never learn about relevant issues that arise in Family Court. By concentrating responsibility with a single judge, the court speeds decision-making, improves defendant accountability, enhances victim safety and eliminates the potential for conflicting judicial orders. 

Defendant Monitoring: By bringing all aspects of a domestic violence case before a single judge, the court increases coordination among criminal justice and community-based social service agencies. In addition, through scheduling regular compliance dates, the court keeps close tabs on defendants and responds quickly to allegations of non-compliance.

Informed Decision-Making: By working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from civil attorneys, law enforcement, probation, and parole—judges gain greater access to necessary information.

Greater Efficiency: By handling both criminal and civil matters in a single hearing, the Integrated Domestic Violence Courts aims to reduce the number of court appearances for litigants. This speeds dispositions and streamlines the process for all participants.

Services for Victims: The court works closely with specialists who counsel victims and link them to appropriate services, such as housing and job training.

Judicial Responses That Empower Battered Women - 83kb

Part of the unified court system is to educate common community institutions on how to respond to a victim and have credible information on where a victim may receive services.
Ideal Institutional Responses - 62kb

Petition for Twin Tier Legislators to review for:
Early Intervention and Coordinated Responses. With the goal that NO “victim” of Domestic Crime goes unheard, again.

Fightingforavoice.com recognized the need for changes in current law/judicial enforcement policies. We are here to help give you a voice, regardless of age,sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or martial status.