Domestic Violence
Overview
Specialized domestic violence courts are designed to improve victim safety and enhance defendant accountability. The Center for Court Innovation helps jurisdictions plan and operate domestic violence courts both in the United States and around the world. In the U.S., the Center for Court Innovation offers free technical assistance, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, to jurisdictions across the country interested in creating or expanding existing domestic violence court projects. For example, the Center has helped jurisdictions with victim safety issues, domestic violence case identification and calendaring, and the use of program mandates. The Center also helped establish New York’s first domestic violence court, the Brooklyn Domestic Violence Court, which has served as a model for dozens of courts in New York State. The Center has also helped New York State disseminate the integrated domestic violence court model, in which a single judge handles criminal domestic violence cases and related family issues, such as custody, visitation, civil protection orders, and matrimonial actions.
To get help planning, implementing, or evaluating a domestic violence program, click here.
In The News
- Three domestic violence courts to serve as "mentor courts".
- New study examines efficacy of domestic violence courts.
- Northern California tribal communities discuss domestic violence.
- The Bureau of Justice Assistance reports a significant decline in domestic violence nationally.
- Maryland adopts court guidelines addressing victim safety.
- Connecticut implements new Lethality Assessment Program.
- Nova Scotia creates new domestic violence court.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases survey on intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
- The Center for Court Innovation assists Ohio in forming its first felony Domestic Violence Court.
- Canadian Attorney General applauds the opening of Toronto's new integrated domestic violence court.
- Las Vegas launches new domestic violence court.
- Avon Global Center publishes study on domestic violence survivor-defendants in New York State.
- Maine domestic violence court focuses on accountability.
- Resource Spotlight: Practical Implications of Domestic Violence Research and Battered Women's Perceptions of Civil and Criminal Court Helpfulness.
Map
There are hundreds of specialized domestic violence courts in the U.S. This map highlights a sampling, with a focus in those receiving federal grants.
