Recognizing Dallas County Criminal Court 10 as a national leader, the federal Office on Violence Against Women designated it a Domestic Violence Mentor Court to serve as a model for jurisdictions seeking to strengthen the judicial response to family violence. Presided over by Judge Roberto Cañas, the court places a special focus on victim safety by providing links to community-based services, advocates, and protocols to ensure offenders surrender firearms. The court also promotes accountability through a specialized probation unit and close monitoring of defendants' compliance with court orders. This video provides an overview of the court and features interviews with the judge, lawyers, probation staff, batterer intervention program staff, and victim advocate associated with the court, as well as with a victim and defendant.
