A law enforcement advocate partnership to aid victims of domestic violence that was based on a successful Milwaukee program may soon restart in another Wisconsin city. Two victim advocates recently presented a proposal to Madison’s Public Safety Review Committee for funding to restart the program, which was piloted for 14 months beginning in 2011 using federal stimulus money. The program involves a partnership between the city’s police department and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), Dane County’s main service provider to victims of domestic assault.
Under the program, when law enforcement officials respond to a domestic assault call, they would be required to provide DAIS with the victim’s name and contact information. DAIS then would be responsible to contact the victim within 48 hours to offer its services. The types of services provided by DAIS to victims of domestic violence include legal representation, support groups, emergency shelter, and child care.
Before the pilot program started, police officers responding to a call would provide the victim with a list of services. They would not make a referral or advocate for any particular service. Victim advocates say this approach resulted in very few victims ever obtaining services. When contact was initiated by DAIS during the pilot program, however, 45 percent of victims went on to receive services.
Advocates hope that by restarting the program, victims of domestic violence will be in a better position to leave their abusive relationships because they will be more likely to get the services they need to do so. Resources like emergency shelters and child care can allow victims to have a safe place to stay and to leave their children. Legal resources can help them obtain restraining orders and other legal protection against their abusers. Support groups can provide needed encouragement and let victims know they are not alone.
Source: The Badger Herald, “City looks to restart service for domestic violence victims,” Sarah Eucalano, March 13, 2013
