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Domestic violence victims face many barriers to safety and independence. Incomprehensible and complex court processes should not be among these barriers. Traditionally, victims had to face several judges in up to 4 different court rooms to have their criminal, family and matrimonial matters heard. (click here to see a statewide map) These “one family/one judge” courts are designed to respond to the unique nature of domestic violence with one judge handling all criminal domestic violence cases and related family issues, such as custody, visitation, civil protection orders and matrimonial actions. (click here for more information on planning an IDV Court) Integrating criminal and civil response systems is the critical next step in improving victim safety and offender accountability.
IDV Courts hold offenders to a higher level of accountability by concentrating responsibility for defendant oversight in the hands of a single judge who can monitor compliance with court orders and program mandates. In addition, victims gain a greater voice in their cases and are better able to address critical family issues—such as safe visitation and timely support—that often impede safety and independence. Additionally, services to the victim are often on-site and coordinated.
Currently, there are more than 40 integrated domestic violence courts operating in New York counties that include Rensselaer, Westchester, the Bronx, Rochester, Syracuse, Richmond, Queens, Tompkins, Erie, Franklin, and Suffolk. Additionally, the Center has provided national and international technical assistance in planning and implementing integrated domestic violence court responses. (click here to view our technical assistance page) |
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Integrated 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—both 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 community based victim advocates to coordinate services for victims such as crisis counseling, housing, and job training.
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Center staff works with other jurisdictions accross the country (including Alabama, Mississippi and Vermont) to improve their court response to domestic violence. Click here to see our technical assistance page.
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FEATURED PUBLICATION
Child Support Protocol: A Guide for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts
By Liberty Aldrich and Judy Reichler
A paper outlining best practice recommendations for courts hearing domestic violence cases, emphasizing that judges should consider financial support and other issues with victim safety in mind.
download PDF version | |
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