Microsoft Word - KARI ONLY 4-21-16 Accounting for Risk and Danger.docx

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AccountingforRiskandDangerPracticeChecklists:

CoordinatingRiskAssessmentinDomesticViolenceCases

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ConnieSponsler‐Garcia

October2015

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TheBatteredWomen’sJusticeProject

1801NicolletAveSouth,Suite102MinneapolisMN55403

[email protected]

800‐903‐0111,prompt1

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ThisprojectwassupportedbyGrantNo.2014‐TA‐AX‐K006awardedbytheOfficeonViolenceAgainstWomen,U.S.Departmentof

Justice.Theopinions,findings,conclusions,andrecommendationsexpressedinthisdocumentarethoseoftheauthorsanddonot

necessarilyreflecttheviewsoftheDepartmentofJustice,OfficeonViole

nceAgainstWomen.

BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

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AccountingforRiskandDangerPracticeChecklists:

CoordinatingRiskAssessmentinDomesticViolenceCases

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Identifyinganddocumentingriskfactorsforseriousorlethalintimatepartnerviolence(IPV)shouldbe

incorporatedintoeachstepofthecriminaljusticeintervention.Acommunity’scoordinatingcouncilortask

forcecanspearheadanexaminationofcurrentpracticestouncovergapsthatexistinidentifying,

documentingandtransmittingriskinformationthroughoutthecriminaljusticeintervention.Toassistsuchan

assessment,BWJPhasdevelopedAccountingforRiskandDangerPracticeChecklistsforeachpractitionerin

theinterventionprocess.Thechecklistscanhelpajurisdictionensurethatitscriminaljusticeresponse

identifiesandaddressespotentialriskstovictims,basedonsoundresearchonriskfactorsassociatedwithIPV.

Recentresearchhasalsoprovidedguidanceonriskfactorsassociatedwithhighriskcases.Validated

assessmenttoolsarenowavailableandappropriateforusebydifferentintervenersinIPVcases.While

communitiesareoftenexcitedaboutdevelopinganenhancedresponsetohighriskcases,thiseffortwillnot

beeffectiveifcurrentbasicpracticesfailtoaddressriskingeneralwithinaneffectivecoordinatedinteragency

response.

TheAccountingforRiskandDangerPracticeChecklistscanguidecommunitiesinexaminingtheircurrent

responsetoIPVandask:“howwelldoesthecurrentresponseaddressrisk?”andpromptstheassessorsto

ask:“whatmorecouldbedonetoimprovereductionofrisk,especiallyforvictimswhomaybeathighriskof

serious,repeatedorlethalviolence?”

ThePracticeChecklistsarebasedontheunderstandingthat:

 Victimsmaysharedifferentpiecesofriskinformationwithdifferentintervenersforavarietyof

reasons,andthatinformationmustbehandledcarefullyinaccordancewithconfidentialitylawsand

withaconcernforvictimsafety.

 Riskassessmentshouldbeanongoingprocessinordertotakeaccountofchangesinthevictim’sand

offender’scircumstances.

 Themosteffectiveassessmentofriskreliesonacombinationofinformationfromvalidriskassessment

tools,practitionerexpertise,offenderhistoryandthevictim’sperceptionofrisk.

 Theeffectivemanagementandcontainmentofdangerousoffendersrequiresinterconnectedpractices

amongagenciesthatpromoteaccountability,includingactivemonitoring,appropriatecourt‐ordered

servicesandswiftandcertainconsequencesforre‐assaultorviolationsofcourtorders.

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ReducingRiskbyMaximizingVictimSafetyandOffenderAccountability

ThePracticeChecklistsguidetheassessmentbydirectingattentiontopracticesthatimproveriskreduction

basedontheresearchonriskfactors.Thesamplequestionsbelowprovideapreviewofthefullassessment:

AdvocacyPrograms:Isaccesstoaconfidentialadvocateandanadvocate‐initiatedresponseavailabletoall

victimscontactedbylawenforcement?Dopolicecurrentlymakeaconnectionbetweenallvictimsand

advocatesfromthescene,orjustprovideareferralcard?Whatfollow‐upservicesareavailable?Arelegal

advocatesavailable?Whatistheresponsetovictim‐defendants?Areexistingadvocacyprogramsableto

provideaculturally‐competentresponsetomarginalizedvictimsandfamiliesinthecommunity?Doexisting

advocacyprogramshavetheresourcestoinitiateamoreproactiveoutreacheffort?

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EmergencyCommunications:Whatinformationonpastarrestsorconvictionsandpastorexistingprotective

ordersisavailableto911andrelayedtorespondingofficers?Areemergencycommunicationspractitioners

trainedtoaskquestionsregardinglethalityindicators,suchaspresenceoforaccesstoweapons,threatsto

kill,threatsofsuicide,mentalillnessandmilitaryservice/combatduty?Isthisinformationrelayedtothe

officersenroutetothescene?Are911tapesmadeavailabletotheprosecutor?

RespondingOfficers:Isthereacurrentpracticeorpolicyregardingpredominantaggressordetermination?Is

itconsistentlyapplied?Whatinformationonlethalityriskisconveyedtoofficersby911?Doofficersidentify

high‐riskfactorsanddocumenttheminthepolicereport?Whatisthecurrentpracticeforconnectingvictims

toemergencyshelterordomesticviolence(DV)programs?Howarecaseshandledwhensuspecthasfledthe

scene?

InvestigatingOfficers:Isriskinformationcommunicatedtoinvestigatingofficers?Doofficershave

time/resourcestofurtherdevelopacasewhennecessary?

Jail/Detention:Arethereanyproceduresinplacetodocumentriskbehaviorsorthreatsandtocommunicate

thisinformationappropriately?Anypolicies/practicestopreventvictimintimidation?Arejailcallsavailableto

prosecutor?Howlongarephonerecordingskept?Whatisprocedureforvictimnotificationofrelease?

ConditionsofRelease/Bail:Whomakesdecisionsonconditionsofrelease/bail?Whatinformationisavailable

tothematthispoint?Isriskinformationconsidered?

Prosecutors:Isriskinformationconveyedtoprosecutors?Wheredoesitcomefromandhowisitused?How

arechargingdecisionsmaderegardingfelonyormisdemeanorcharges?Howdocity/countyattorneys

coordinateregardingcharging?Howisongoingandtimelycommunicationwithvictimshandled?

Judges:Isriskinformationisprovidedtojudges,wheredoesitcomefromandhowisitused?Whohasaccess

totheinformation?Howdono‐contactordersspecificallyrespondtotheseverityandcontextofviolencein

eachcase?Howareviolationsofprobationandre‐offenseshandled?Arepre‐sentenceinvestigations

routinelyavailable?

Probation:Howisriskinformationrelayedtoorgatheredbyprobationofficers?Doesitaffecttheir

recommendationsforsentencingandcourtmandatedconditionsorservices?Arethereresourcestoenhance

monitoringofhighriskcases,suchasGPSoractivefieldsupervision?

BatterersPrograms:Doavailablebattererprogramscooperateappropriatelywiththecourts?Istherea

consistentandaccountablesystemofreferralsbythecourt?Doesreportingofviolationstothecourt

consistentlytakeplace?

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TechnicalAssistanceAvailablefromBWJP

CommunitiesarewelcometousethePracticeChecklists.Ifdesired,BWJPcanprovidetechnicalassistancein

theuseofthechecklistsandguidecommunitiesthroughtheassessment.Wewouldbehappytotalkwithyou

aboutinitiatinganassessmentofyourcommunity’sresponsetoriskinIPVcases.

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TableofContents

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I. 911ResponseandDispatch……………………………………………………………………………………… 5

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II. LawEnforcementIncidentReportChecklist………………………………………........................ 8

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III. JailandBooking…………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 11

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IV. Bail‐SettingandPre‐TrialConditionsofRelease…………………………………………………….... 13

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V. Prosecution…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 15

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VI. Probation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 21

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VII. JudicialConsiderations………………………………………………………………………………………….... 26

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VIII. BatterersInterventionPrograms…………………………………………………………………………...... 32

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IX. CivilProtectiveOrders…………………………………………………………………………………………...... 34

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AccountingforRiskandDanger:

911ResponseandDispatch

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

911ResponseandDispatch

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Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,or

ifthereisagaptobeaddressed

Responderdeterminesthenatureoftheemergencyand

relatedriskfactorstotheextentpossible,including:

 Isthereanimmediatethreatofharmtopersonsatthe

scene,respondingofficersandothers?

 Aretheregunspresent?Ifso,where?

 Arethereotherweapons?Ifso,aretheyaccessible?

 Havether

ebeenthreatstokillvictim,children,law

enforcement,selforothers?

 Hasthevictimbeenchoked/strangled?

 Isthereaneedforimmediatemedicalattention?

 Isthesuspectacombatveteran?

 Doesthesuspecthavementalhealthissues?

 Isthevictimorsuspectapoliceofficer

?

 Arechildrenpresent,injured,harmed,threatened,

abducted,orbeingdrawnintotheeventsinanyway?

 Isthevictimpregnant?

 Doesthesuspecthavestepchildreninthehome?

 Aretherecustodydisputes?

 Isthereexistenceofacurrentprotectionorderor

conditionsofrelease?

 Isacourtma

tterpending?Isthereanarrestwarrant

thathasn'tbeenserved,chargesthatarebeing

considered,oranupcomingcourtappearance?

 Hasthesuspecteverretaliatedagainstvictimforcalling

police,foraskingforhelporservices,forgoingtocourt,

etc.?

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Responderdocumentsindicationsofforcedsexandrelaysthis

informationtolawenforcement,evenifacallerdoesnotallege

oradmittosexualabuseorcoerciondirectly:

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“Therearebruisesallovermychest.”“Herippedmyshirtoff.”

“Iranoutofthehousewithoutanyclotheson.”“Im

anagedto

pushhimoutofthebedroom.”

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ResponderassignsahighprioritycodetoDVcallsinvolving

weapons,assaultinprocessorimminent,threatstokillor

commitsuicideorsuspecthasfledandvictimfearsan

imminentreturn.

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Responderdeterminesifitissafetokeepcalleronthe

lineanddoessountilanofficerisonthesceneandmakes

contact.

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 Ifcallercannotsafelystayontheline,responder

determinesifthephonecanbeputdownandtheline

keptopen.

 Responderemploysstrategiestocommunicatewith

callerswhocannotspeakfreely.

 Responderavoidsplacingvictiminapositionof

confrontingthesuspect.

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Respondercommunicateswithchildcallersinanage‐

appropriatemannertodetermineif:

 Thechildoranyoneelsehasbeeninjured

 Otherchildrenarepresent,andaretheysafe

 Thechildrencanhide,orleavethepremisessafely

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Ifcallisdisconnected,respondercallsback,remaining

alerttosignsthatsuspectmaybeontheline.

 Ifcalleranswers,responderdeterminesifcallercan

safelyspeakbyaskingyes/noquestions.

 Ifnoanswerorcallgoestovoicemail,responderdoes

notleaveamessageandrelaysrelevantdetailsabout

thecalltola

wenforcement.

 Ifanotheradultpartyanswers,responderaskstospeak

toinitialcaller.



Responderrelaysprioritycodetolawenforcementwith

informationabouthistoryofviolenceandlevelofdanger,

including:

 Presenceofweapons

 Typeofviolence,threatsorinjuries

 Priordomesticcallsfromthisaddress,fromthisphone

number

 Historyofviolencewiththisvictim/suspect,orothers

 Combatde

ployment

 Mentalhealthissues,medications

 Currentlyhighorintoxicated,onwhatsubstance

 Suspect’sprobationorparolestatus

 Existenceofwarrants,protectionorderorothercourt

orders



Responderpromptlyrelaysdetailsaboutchangingconditionsat

thescenetolawenforcement.



Responderdocumentsdetailsabouttheviolence,threatsand

injuriesinthedesignatedsystem.



Respondereffectivelyimplementsproceduresforhandling

callerswithlimitedEnglishproficiencywhenneeded.



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

7



Respondereffectivelyimplementsproceduresforresponding

todeaforhardofhearingcallerswhenneeded.



Respondereffectivelyimplementsproceduresforhandlingcalls

whenoneofthepartiesisalawenforcementofficer.



Respondereffectivelyimplementsproceduresforhandlingcalls

whenoneofthepartiesisanactivememberofthemilitary

services.(ifrelevant)





BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

8



AccountingforRiskandDanger:

LawEnforcementIncidentReportChecklist

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

LawEnforcementIncidentReportChecklist



Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthere

isagaptobeaddressed

Officersdocumentrelevant911information,including

detailsaboutanyviolenceorthreatscommunicatedinthe

911call.

 Accessto/useoffirearmsorotherweapons

 Historyofpoliceinvolvement,address/parties

 Warrants,priorconvictions,infoonexistingordersfor

protection,harassmentrestrainingorders,criminal

caseno‐contactorders,probationholds,

 Injuriesatscene,possiblestrangulation



OfficersassessforriskfactorsspecifictoDVcasesusingthe

assessmentprotocolofthedepartmentorofficersinformally

assessforriskfactors.



Officersaskabouthistoryofviolenceinorderto

understandcontext,documenttheinformation,andask

follow‐upquestions:

 Whenwasthefirsttime,andtheworsttimeof

violence?

 Istheviolenceincreasinginfrequencyorseverity?

 Havetherebeenpriorinjuriesorpriorarrests?

 Isthereanexistingorderforprotection,harassment

restrainingorder,cri

minalno‐contactordersora

probationhold?

 Doesthevictimthinkthesuspectcouldseriouslyharm

orkillthemortheirchildren?



Threats/Intimidation

Officersaskvictimsaboutanddocumentanyindicatorsof

threatsorintimidation:

 Whathasvictimbeenwarnedorledtobelievewill

happeniftheabuseisreported?Hasthesuspect

threatenedthevictimifs/heseekshelpfromlaw

enforcement?

 Aretherepriorincidentsthatmaynothavebee

n

reportedandpriorchargesthatmayhavebeen

droppedordismissed,includingrestrainingordersor

protectionordersthatweredismissedatthevictim’s

request?

 Havetherebeenthreatstokillthevictim,children,self

orthreatstoabductthechildren?



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

9



Firearms

Officersdocumentinformationgatheredfromeachparty

involvedintheincident:

 Specificnatureofanythreatsregardinguseofweapons

 Presenceandtypeoffirearmsandotherweaponsin

thehome,regardlessofwhetheraweaponwasusedin

currentincident

 Mannerinwhichweaponswereused

 Actionstakenregardingsurrenderoffirearmsforsafe‐

keeping



SexualAssault

Officersaskifvictimhasbeenforcedorcoercedintosexualacts

andindicationsofsexualaggressionorcoercionare

documented.



Strangulation

Allevidenceofstrangulationisdocumentedinthewritten

reportusingtheterm“strangulation”ratherthan“choking,”

unlessquotingthepartyinterviewed.Photosaretakenand

victimsareencouragedtoseekmedicalattention.



Stalking

Officersdocumenthowthisincidentispartofapatternof

stalkingbehavior,andtheevidencespecificallyassociatedwith

stalkingbehavior,suchasfloraldeliveries,emails,notes,cards

andletters,giftsandsimilarevidence,andnoteinthereport

anyinformationthevictimhasofferedregardingpreviousacts

ofstalkingorharassmentforfollow‐upbyth

einvestigator.





DualAllegationsofAbuse

Whenbothpartieshaveusedorwereallegedtohaveused

violenceagainsttheother,officerdocument:

 Howtheyassessedwhetheronepartyactedinself

defense

 Ifneitherpartyactedinself‐defense,howthey

determinedthepredominantormostdangerous

aggressor

 Whytheydeterminedthatdualarrestssh

ouldbemade





Officersdocumentinjuriescompletely,providecomplete

descriptionofhowinjurieswereobtainedandtake

photographs.



Officersconcludethereportbyspecificallysummarizingrisk

markersandlevelofdanger.



Underwhatcircumstancesareofficersrequiredtoreportto

childprotection?Isvictiminformedthatthiswillhappen?



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

10



Whenbothpartiesinasamesexrelationshipwerearrested,

officersdocumentactionstakentoavoidhousing,holdingor

transportingthesuspectstogether.



Whenitappearsthatoneormorepartieshavelimited

Englishproficiency,officersdocumenthowtheyimplemented

proceduresforcommunicatingwithparties.



Officersfacilitatevictimreferralorconnectionwithlocal

advocacyprogramanddocumentthoseactions.



Officersavoidarrestingvictimswithoutstandingwarrantsfor

misdemeanornon‐violentoffenses.





BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

11



AccountingforRiskandDanger:

JailandBooking

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

JailandBooking



Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



Detaindefendantsarrestedfordomesticviolenceuntila

judgecanassessunderwhatconditionsitwouldbe

appropriatetoreleasethedefendantbackintothe

community.



Monitorinmatecommunicationstolimittheability

ofadefendanttomakethreatsforthepurposesof

intimidatingthevictimfromparticipatinginthecourt

processorseekingaidfromserviceagencies,or

retaliatingagainstthevictimforcallingpolice.

 Denydefendantstelephoneaccesstothevictim.

 Warnthed

efendantthatcontactingthevictim

directly,bytelephoneormailorthroughathird

party,couldpotentiallyleadtofurthercriminal

liability.

 Utilizecommunication‐monitoringprocedures

(requiringpersonalidentificationnumbersor

voicerecognitiontousejailtelephones,

recordingphoneconversations,scanningmailfor

threatsorprohibitedparties,etc.)todeter

attem

ptstocommunicatethreats.



Documentthreatstovictimmadeinpresenceof

jail/bookingstaffandattachtothebookingform.



Providevictimswithadequatenotificationpriortothe

defendant’sreleasefromdetentionsotheycantake

actiontoprotectthemselves,andareinformedofthe

conditionsofrelease.



Notificationshouldinclude:

 Dateandtimeofrelease

 Thespecificconditionsofrelease,providinga

copyoftheconditionsuponvictimrequest



Monitorinmateworkreleasetolimittheabilityofa

defendanttomakecontactsforthepurposesofmaking

threats,intimidatingthevictimfromparticipatinginthe

courtprocessorseekingaidfromserviceagencies,or

retaliatingagainstthevictimforcallingpolice.



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

12



Providethedefendantwithawarningthatcontactingthe

victimdirectly,bytelephoneormailorthroughathird

party,couldpotentiallyleadtofurthercriminalliability.



Providethedefendantwithawarningthatdrivingbythe

victim’slocation,goingtothevictim’sworkplace,etc.

couldpotentiallyleadtofurthercriminalliability.





BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

13



AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Bail‐SettingandPre‐TrialConditionsofRelease

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Bail‐SettingandPre‐TrialConditionsofRelease



Notehowthispracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed.

Victimsarecontactedpriortosuspect’sreleasefrom

custodytoassistindeterminingthecontextandseverity

ofthecase.Askvictim’sopinionaboutpretrialrelease

conditionsthataremostlikelytoaddresstheirsafety

needs.Ensurethatvictimisawareofcommunity

resourcesthatofferprotectionandassistance.



Victimsaregivenadequatenotificationpriortothe

defendant’sreleasefromdetentionsotheycantake

actiontoprotectthemselves,andareinformedofthe

conditionsofrelease.



Notificationsshouldinclude:

 Dateandtimeofrelease

 Specificconditionsofrelease,providingacopyof

theconditionsuponrequest



ADV‐specificriskassessmentand/orjudicialchecklistis

usedinsettingbailanddeterminingreleaseconditions

tailoredtotheparticulardangersposedbythesuspectto

theirvictims,themselves,andthecommunity.



Riskfactorsrelatedtothecurrentoffenseandhistoryare

identifiedanddocumentedforuseindeterminingthe

natureofthethreatthedefendantpresentstothevictim

andotherpersons.



Possibleriskindicators:

 ResultsofDV‐specificriskassessment

 Criminalhistoryandcurrentprobationstatus

 Accesstofirearmsandthe

iractualorthreatened

use

 Currentandpastprotectionorharassment

orders

 Excessivealcoholordruguseanditsimpacton

defendant’sactions

 Mentalhealthconcerns,impactondefendant’s

actions

 Historyofcombatdeployment,indicationsof

depression,PTSD/TBI



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

14



Recommendedbailandpre‐trialreleaseconditionsare

relatedtothe:

 Violenceandcoercionthatoccurredinthis

incident

 Historyofviolenceandcoercionusedbythe

defendantinthisandotherrelationships

 Historyofarrestsandconvictions,probation

complianceandprotectionorderviolations

 Dangerposedbythesuspecttothevictiman

d

othersbasedonthisincident

 Responsestoriskquestionsinthepolicereport

orariskassessmenttool

 Victim’ssafetyneedsandpreferences



Possiblerecommendationsthataddressriskfactors:

 Limited/nocontactwiththevictimorchildren

 Highriskmonitoring/surveillancemeasu

res

 Abstinencefromdrugoralcoholuse

 Drugandalcoholassessment/testing

 Mentalhealth/PTSD/TBIassessment



No‐contactordersareissuedasaconditionofrelease

unlessthevictimrequestscontact.Inthesecases:

 Therequestisevaluatedinthecontextand

totalityofthecircumstancesinvolved,takinginto

accountvictimopposition,offenderintimidation,

victimfear,economicimpactanddangerousness

oftheoffender.

 Optionsthatallowcontac

tunderlimited

conditionsareconsideredincaseswheretherisk

factorsindicateminimalrisk,thevictimhas

requestedcontactandthereisnoevidenceof

coercion.



Proceduresforvictimstorequestchangesinconditions

ofreleaseareexplainedtovictimsandareaccessible.



Defendantsaremonitoredforcompliancewith

conditionsofreleasebydesignatedpersonnelwho:

 Explainthereleaseconditionsandconsequences

fornoncompliancetothedefendant

 Meetwiththedefendantonaregularbasis

 Notecompliance,violationsandotherconcerns

inthefile

 Reportanyviolationstothecourt

 Warnth

evictimofdangersthatcometotheir

attention



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

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Prosecution

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Prosecution

Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



ChargingDecisions



Inmakingdecisionsaboutwhattocharge,prosecutors

utilizeasmanysourcesofinformationasavailable:

 Lawenforcementreportsofcurrentoffense

 Pastlawenforcementreportsinvolvingsuspect

 Summaryofpre‐sentenceinvestigation

 Evidencecollectedatscene

 911tapesandCADreports

 Jailphonecallrecordings,jai

lvisitorlogs,inmate

maillogsandothersimilardocuments

 Pastandcurrentprotectionorders

 Email,voicemail,textmessages,lettersand

othercommunications

 Arrestandconvictionsfromallavailable

databases

 Interviewswithvictimandsuspect

 Victim’sresponsestodangerousnessorrisk

assessmentquestionsincurrentorpastlaw

enforceme

ntreports

 Communicationswithvictim,orwithvictim

advocate(withvictimconsent)

 Defendant’sbehavioralhistoryrelatedto

possibleharassment/stalkingcharges

 Medicalrecords

 Familycourtfiles



Asadditionalinformationisgathered,prosecutorsre‐

evaluatethecaseforadditional,amendedorenhanced

charges,especiallyforbehaviorthatischaracteristicin

DVcases,suchas:

 Illegalbehavior,suchasobstructingjustice,

resistingarrest,etc.,thatoccursafterofficers

arriveonthescene

 Strangulation

 Harassment/stalking

 Threatstovictimorofficers

 Sexuallyaggressivebehavior

 Witnesstampering





Whenbothpartieshavebeenarrestedand/orcited,

prosecutorsseektoavoidpursuingchargesagainstboth,

unlesstherearecompellingpublicsafetyissuestodoso



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andthepartiesposeasignificantthreatofdangertoeach

other.Prosecutorscarefullyassesswhethereitherparty

actedinself‐defense,oronepartyisthepredominant

aggressor.



Prosecutorsevaluatepriorrecentincidentsofcriminal

conductagainstthesamevictimandconsidercharging

thoseincidentsifsufficientevidenceexists.



IncasesinvolvingnonDV‐relatedfelonychargesanda

DV‐relatedmisdemeanorchargethatisnotpursued,

prosecutorsordesignatedpersonnelrelayinformation

abouttheDVchargetothepre‐sentenceinvestigatorto

ensurethatrecommendationsofprobationincludeDV‐

relatedprogrammingandaddressvictimsafety.



Whenprosecutorsdetermineacaseshouldbechargedat

alowerorhigherlevelthaninitiallypresentedand

transferthecasetoadifferentprosecutor’soffice,

prosecutorstransferthecasepromptlyandinformlaw

enforcementofthereasonforthetransfer.



Beforecasesaredeclined,prosecutorssolicitinputfrom

lawenforcementandcarefullyconsiderwhetherfurther

investigationcouldproduceadditionalinformationthat

wouldresultincharges,particularlyrelatedto

harassment/stalking,strangulationandterroristicthreats.



WhenadefendantisavictimofongoingDVbythevictim

inthisincident,prosecutors:

 Carefullyreviewthereportforindicationsthat

defendantactedinself‐defense.

 Requestfurtherinvestigationifnecessary.

 Dismisschargesifthereisreasonableevidence

thatdefendantactedinself‐defense.

 Attempttopl

acecontrolsonthe

victim/defendant’suseofviolencewithout

makingher/himmorevulnerabletocontinued

abuse.



Inmisdemeanorcases,adeferredprosecutionmightgain

enoughcontrolonthevictim/defendanttosecurethe

helpneededtoendherorhisviolence.



Bail/Pre‐trialReleaseConditions



Priortosuspect’sreleasefromcustody,victimsare

contactedto:

 Assistindeterminingthecontextandseverityof

thecase.

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 Toprovideinputabouttheirpretrialrelease

conditionsmostlikelytoaddresssafetyneeds.

 Toensureawarenessofcommunityresources

thatofferprotectionandassistance.



Riskfactorsrelatedtothecurrentoffenseandhistoryare

identifiedanddocumentedforuseindeterminingthe

natureofthethreatthedefendantpresentstothevictim

andotherpersons.



Possibleriskindicators:

 ResultsofDV‐specificriskassessment

 Criminalhistoryandcurrentprobationstatus

 Accesstofirearmsandthe

iractualorthreatened

use

 Currentandpastprotectionorharassment

orders

 Excessivealcoholordruguseanditsimpacton

 defendant’sactions

 Mentalhealthconcernsandtheirimpacton

 defendant’sactions

 Historyofcombatdeployment,indicationsof

depression,PTSD/TBI

 Strangulation

 Forcedsex

 Eviden

cethatviolencehasescalatedinseverity

orfrequency



Recommendedbailandpre‐trialreleaseconditionsare

informedby:

 Violenceandcoercionthatoccurredinthis

incident

 Historyofviolenceandcoercionusedbythe

defendantinthisandotherrelationships

 Historyofarrestsandconvictions,probation

complianceandviolationsofcivilprotection

ordersorconditionsofrelease

 Dangerpose

dbythesuspecttothevictimand

othersbasedonDVspecificriskassessmenttool

usedbypre‐trial

 Responsestoriskquestionsinthepolicereport

orariskassessmenttool

 Victim’ssafetyneedsandpreferences



Possiblerecommendationsthataddressriskfactors:

 Limited/nocontactwiththevictimorchildren

 Highriskmonitoring/surveillancemeasures

 Abstinencefromdrugoralcoholuse

 Drugandalcoholassessment/testing

 Mentalhealth/PTSD/TBIassessment



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 Surrenderofweapons



Whendefendantsarenotincustody,prosecutorsrequest

pre‐trialsupervisionwhenthereisindicationofescalating

violenceoraseriousconcernbyavictimorother

agenciesabouttheprobabilityofcontinuedharassment

andharm.



No‐contactordersareissuedasaconditionofrelease

unlessthevictimrequestscontact.Inthesecases:

 Therequestisevaluatedinthecontextand

totalityofthecircumstancesinvolved,takinginto

accountvictimopposition,offenderintimidation,

victimfear,economicimpactanddangerousness

oftheoffender.

 Optionsthatallowcontac

tunderlimited

conditionsareconsideredincaseswheretherisk

factorsindicateminimalrisk,thevictimhas

requestedcontactandthereisnoevidenceof

coercion.



Proceduresforvictimstorequestchangesinconditions

ofreleaseareexplainedtovictimsandareaccessible.



Pre‐trialProcedures



Victimsarenotrequiredtosigncriminalcomplaintsor

attendpre‐trialhearings.



Prosecutorsutilizeasubpoenaprocessthatdoesnot

exposevictimstoreprisalsfromdefendants.Prosecutors

donotemploysubpoenasagainstreluctantand

unpreparedvictimsinsuchawayastoexposethemto

arrest.



Prosecutorsonlysubpoenathevictimtoevidentiary



hearings.Prosecutorsworkwithvictims,advocatesand

courtstafftoshieldvictimsfromreprisalbyoffendersand

offender’sassociates.



PleaAgreements&SentencingRecommendations



Prosecutorsobtaininputfromthevictimandvictim

advocatestoassistinpleanegotiationsandsentencing

recommendationsthatbestreflectthecircumstancesof

thecase,thecontextandseverityoftheoffenseandthe

victim’ssafetyneeds.



Ifadefendantreasonablyappearstobeavictimof

ongoingDV,prosecutorsconsiderapleatoalesser

offenseand/oranagreementtoastayofimpositionwith



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probationaryconditionsthatincludesupportservices

thatreducethelikelihoodoffutureviolenceandthe

vulnerabilityofthevictimdefendanttofurtherviolence.



Injurisdictionswhereprobationofficerssubmit

recommendationstothecourt,prosecutorsarguefor

additionalordifferentsanctionsiftheyfeelthe

recommendationsdonotaddressthecontextand

severityoftheoffense,thedangerthedefendantposes

tothevictimorthesafetyneedsofthevictimandthe

public.



Prosecutorsconsiderwithdrawingfromnegotiatedplea

agreementsandsentencingrecommendationsinorder

torequestadditionalsanctionsorbringnewcharges

wheninformationcomestotheirattentionthatchanges

theirviewofthedangerthedefendantposes,suchas

newsofaweaponpurchase,newthreats,ongoing

harassmentorstalking,etc.



Prosecutorsappearatallproceedingsrelatedto

violationsofsentencingconditions,includingadmitor

denyhearingsandargueforimpositionofmoresevere

consequencesinallcasesinvolvingnewthreatsoractsof

violence.



VictimEngagement



Prosecutorsworkwithadvocatestodevelopaprocessto

maintainconfidentialityofvictim’slocationwhen

necessary.



Prosecutorsordesignatedpersonnelstayincontactwith

victimthroughoutthecourtprocess,providingher/him

withpertinentcaseinformation(e.g.,givethedocket

numbertohelpkeepapprisedofcourtdatesandpending

motions)andmakingsureshe/heisnotbeingintimidated

orthreatened.



Victimsareencouragedorguidedincollectingfurther

evidence,particularlytokeepachronologyofdefendant

contactandhistoryofabuse,ifnotalreadydocumented.



Prosecutorsutilizelegalstrategiestoprotectthevictim

andtheintegrityofthecase(e.g.,no‐contactprovisions,

restrainingorders,chargesforviolatingprotection

orders,trialmotionstopreventadmissionofirrelevant

informationaboutthevictimintoevidence,etc.).



Victimsareencouragedtocallpoliceiftheoffender

violatesexistingcourtorders.



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Proceduresexistforfacilitatingcontactwithvictimsand

offenderswithlimitedEnglishproficiency.



Prosecutorsattempttoprotectvictimsfromretaliation

forparticipatinginthecase.

 Chargesthatcanbeprosecutedindependentof

thevictim’sdirecttestimonyarepursued.

 Prosecutorsattempttoidentifyintimidationand

coerciondirectedatvictimsandutilizethe

doctrineofforfeiturebywrongdoingtotake

actionforwitnesstampering.

 Prosecutorsconsideravailableprote

ctive

measuresduringthediscoveryprocess.For

example,theyredactvictimlocationinformation

frommaterialsthatwillbediscoverablebythe

defense.

 Prosecutorsworkwithcourtstafftocreatean

intimidation‐freeenvironmentincourt.

 Prosecutorsworkwithadvocatestotailorvictim

safety‐planningadvicetothespe

cificsofthecase

andthevictim’slifecircumstances(e.g.,rentinga

securitysystem,changingsocialmediahabits,

etc.)







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

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Probation

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

Probation

Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



Pre‐sentenceInvestigation



Apre‐sentenceinvestigationisconductedonallDVcases.



Probationofficersaretrainedtorecognizeriskand

lethalityfactorsinDVcases.



Probationofficershaveaccesstoanduseallthefollowing

toinformpre‐sentencerecommendations:

 Lawenforcementreportsofthecurrentoffense

(includinganyriskassessment)

 Pastpolicereportsinvolvingthisdefendant

 Historyofarrestandconvictionsfromall

availabledatabases

 Currentorpriorprotectionorders

 Probationstatusandcompliance



Pre‐sentencerec

ommendationsareinformedbythe

following:

 ResultsofDV‐specificriskassessment

 Defendant’saccesstofirearmsandtheiruseor

threateneduseinthepast

 Excessivealcoholordruguseanditsimpacton

defendant’sactions

 Mentalhealthconcernsandtheirimpa

cton

defendant’sactions

 Historyofcombatdeployment,indicationsof

depression,PTSD

 Informationfromthevictimregardinghistoryof

abusebetweenthesuspectandthevictimand

currentconcernsforsafety



Probationofficerscontactvictimsto:

 Askaboutconcernsregardingtheoutcomesof

thecase,listeningforindicationsofvictim

intimidation,culturalconsiderationsand

economicimpact

 Askwhatsentencingconditionsaremostlikelyto

addressvictim’ssafetyneedsandthoseofthe

children

 Connectvictimswithvictimservices

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 Informvictimsthatfurtherperiodiccontactmay

occurtoseeiftheyhaveanysafetyconcernsand

thattheyarenotrequiredtotalkwithprobation



Sentencingrecommendationsaddresstheriskfactors

indicatedbythePSI:

 Limited/nocontactwiththevictimorchildren

 Highriskmonitoring/surveillancemeasures/GPS

 Abstinencefromdrugoralcoholuse

 Drugandalcoholassessment/testing

 Mentalhealth/PTSD/TBIassessment

 Battererinterventionprograms



CaseSupervision



Probationordesignatedpersonnelprovidesupervisionof

misdemeanorandfelonyDVcases.



Casesarepromptlyprocessedandassignedtoa

supervisingagent.



Alldocumentsfromthepre‐sentenceinvestigationare

forwardedtothesupervisingagent.Ifadifferentagency

conductsthePSI,thatinformationisobtained.



Casesareassignedtodifferentlevelsofsupervisionand

interventionbasedoninitialevaluationofriskand

subsequentchangesinrisklevels.



Probationofficersrecognizeanddocumentriskfactors

forre‐assault/lethalitythatcometotheirattention,such

as:

 Victimattemptingapermanentbreakandthe

partnerisupset

 Ex‐partnerdatinganewperson,excessive

jealousy

 Obsessionwithvictim/partner;stalkingbehaviors

 Homicideorsuicidethreats

 Newpolicecontac

tsorarrestsorincidentsof

violenceingeneral

 Ongoingeffortstotakechildrenfrommother

throughacustodycase

 Childrenathomewhoarenottheprobationers’

 Unstablemedicationduetolossofhealth

insuranceorjob

 Abuseofalcoholordrugs

 Multiplevictims

 Animalabuse,killingpe

ts

 Accesstoweapons

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Insituationsofelevatedrisk,probationstaffimposeor

recommendadditionalsanctionsthatincrease

containmentormonitoring,suchasrequiringadditional

groupsessionsoruseofGPS.



Probationofficersareresponsivetosituationsassociated

withanincreasedriskforre‐offense/injurywith

probationclientswhoarevictimsofongoingabuse.



Suchsituationsmayinclude:

 Increasedsenseofentrapment

 Reactingtoharmdonebytheirabusertotheir

children(includingsexualabuse)

 Inabilitytostopexcessivedrinkin

gordruguse

 Beingcontinuallysubjectedtosexualand/or

physicalabuse

 Beliefthattheabuserisusingthecourts,child

protectionand/orthementalhealthsystemasa

formofharassmentandabuse

 Theabuserisengaginginbehaviorsassociated

withhighrisk/lethality



Inthesecases,probationofficersshouldanticipatethe

potentialforbothpartiestousesevereorlethalviolence

andattempttopreventthisby:

 Referringprobationerstoadomesticviolence

advocacyprogramthatcanprovideresources

andoptionsthatcounterbeliefsthatonlytheuse

ofviolencecanhelpthem

 Explorewithpoliceandprosecutorsth

e

possibilityofinitiatingstepstoobtaincontrolof

theabuser’sbehavior





ReferralstoBIPsandOtherPrograms



ProbationersareonlyreferredtoBIPsthatmeetany

standardssetbystatestatuteorappropriatelocal

standardsdevelopedinpartnershipwithdomestic

violenceadvocacyorganizations,unlessacompelling

reasonexiststodootherwise.



Everyeffortshouldbemadetomakereferralsto

programsthatareculturally‐responsivetothedefendant,

orcanmeetadefendant’sspecialneeds.



Probationerswhoarevictimsofongoingcoercive

violenceareofferedspecializedprogrammingthat

recognizesthecontextandscopeofviolencetheyare

experiencingasvictimsaswellasusingagainsttheir

abusers.

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

Referralprocedureswiththecourt/probationallowfor

promptidentificationofoffenderswhofailtoenrollin

theBIPorotherprogramminginthetimeallottedand

promptnotificationbacktothecourt/probationofthe

violation.



BIPsareprovidedacopiesof:thepolicereport,judgment

andsentence,thecriminalhistory,anypriororcurrent

no‐contactorder,restrainingorprotectionordersand

firearmsrestrictions.



BIPsareinformediftheprobationerhasahistoryof

substanceabuseormentalhealthproblems,including

PTSDandcombathistory.



Informationsharingagreementswithcourt‐ordered

serviceprovidersensureswiftandconsistent

communicationwiththecourtsregardingissuesofnon‐

complianceorconcernsofescalatingrisk.



ProbationViolationsandRevocation



Probationofficersdocumentanynon‐compliancewith

conditionsofprobationandimmediatelynotifyand

forwardanyrequiredinformationnecessaryfor

revocationtothesentencingjudgewhen:

 Thereisevidenceofnewabuse.

 Theprobationerhascommittedanewcrime.

 Theprobationerhasbeendisruptiveintreatment

orrefusestoparticipa

teactively.

 Theprobationerhasbeendetectedviolatingany

drugoralcoholconditions.

 Thereisapatternoftechnicalviolations.



Probationofficerscontactthevictimbeforethe

revocationprocessisinitiatedtodiscussimpactof

revocationonvictimsafetyandneedforadditionalsafety

planning.



Probationofficersexpediterevocationstodecreasethe

dangerthenon‐compliantprobationerposestothe

victimbyquicklyterminatingprobation.



Communitycorrectionsprogramsandprofessionals

ensurethatallvictimscontactedbycorrectionsare

providedwithadvocacyreferrals.



Probationofficersfollowproceduresthatprotectthe

confidentialityofvictiminformation.

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

ScreeningofAllWomenProbationers



Probationofficersscreenallwomenoffenderson

communitysupervisionforthepresenceorhistoryof

domesticviolence.Ifabuseispresent,probationersare

referredtoDVprogramsforservices.



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

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

JudicialConsiderations

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

JudicialConsiderations



Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



Courthousesafety

Courtstaffarepreparedtoaddresstheheightenedsafety

considerationstothevictimandtocourtstaff:

 Screenforweaponsatentrytothecourthouse

 Alwayshavebailiffsavailableinthecourtroom

andhallways

 Neverrequirethepartiestospendtimealone

together

 Arrangeforse

parateorguardedwaitingareas

 Orderrespondentstoremaininthecourthouse

anadditional10‐15minutesafterpetitioners

leave

 Provideabailiffescortforpetitioners,witnesses,

advocatesandcounselastheyleavethe

courthouse

 Haveabailiffstandbetweenthepartieswhen

theyappearatthebench

 Preventresp

ondentfromattemptingtodirectly

addresspetitionerincourt

 Requirethatpartiessitonoppositesidesofthe

courtroom

 Requirecertifiedinterpreterswhenanypartyhas

limitedEnglishproficiency



RiskAssessment

Judgeshouldcommunicatetopractitionersthe

expectationthatcompleteandtimelyinformationon

presenceofhighriskfactorswillbeprovidedtothecourt.



Potentialsourcesofinformationabouthighriskfactors

include:police,victim‐witnessstaff,prosecutors,defense

attorneys,courtadministrators,bailevaluators,pre‐

sentenceinvestigators,probation,custodyevaluators,

partiesanda

ttorneys.



Thefactorstobeidentifiedandcommunicatedtothe

Benchinclude(butarenotlimitedto):

 Useorthreateneduseofaweapon

 Attemptstostrangleorchokethevictim

 Accesstoafirearm,orfirearminthehome

 Threatsorattemptstoki

llthevictimorchildren

 Increaseinfrequencyorseverityofphysical

violenceoverthepastyear



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 Allegedperpetratorhasforced/coercedthe

victimtohavesex

 Allegedperpetratortriestocontrolmostof

victim’sdailyactivities

 Priorarrestsfordomesticviolenceoranycrime

 Victimhasleftorisleavingthedefendant

 Defendantisunemployed

 Allegedperpetratorisconstantlyorviolently

jealous

 Allegedperpetratorhasthreatenedortriedto

commi

tsuicide

 Victimbeliefthattheallegedperpetratorwillre‐

assaultorattempttokillthemorthechildren(a

“no”answerdoesnotindicatealowlevelofrisk,

buta“yes”answerisverysignificant.)

 Pendingorpr

iorordersforprotection,criminalor

civilcasesinvolvingthisallegedperpetrator



EnsurethatJudgedoesnotelicitsafetyorrisk

informationfromvictimsinopencourt.



Providevictimswiththeopportunitytoconsultwith

confidentialadvocatestodiscussriskassessment



CivilProtectionOrders

Notifyvictimwhenservicewillbeattemptedorhasbeen

completed.Identifypotentialsafetyissuesthatmayoccur

whenorderisserved.



EffectiveOrders

 Whennecessary,havetheordertranslatedintoa

party’sprimarylanguage.

 Avoidconflictingorders.Identifyotherorders

governingtheconductoftheparties(c

riminal,

family,protectionorder,child/adultprotective,

ordersfromotherjurisdictions).

 Includeinformationrelevanttoenforcement

suchasjurisdictionalbasis,penaltiesfor

violation,weapons,prohibitionsandcontact

informationforthecourt.

 Protectconfidentialityofvictim’saddress/phone

number.VAWAconfidentialityprovisionsalso

precludeuseofthefamilycourtstolear

nabout

anyUorTvisacase.

 Ifthecourtpostscourtrecordspubliclyonthe

Internet,sealinformationrelatingtovictim’sand

children’snamesandlocations.

 Includeclearandspecificconsequencesof

deviatingfromprovisionsoforder.



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 Orderrespondenttopaymortgage/rentornotto

depleteassets.

 Orderrespondenttoretainandproduce

immigrationdocuments,tocooperatewith

immigrationproceedingsandnottocontactDHS

regardingthepetitioner.

 Awardownershipofcar,pets,etc.whereneeded.

 Providerestitutionandfinancialsupportto

abusedpar

ty(e.g.,propertydivision,child

supportandmaintenanceofbasicneedssuchas

clothingandhealthinsurance).

 Orderstructuredvisitationorcustody

arrangementstoensurestable,safeenvironment

forchildrenwiththenon‐abusingparent.



Enforcement

 Includeconsequencesinordersforfailureto

complyandenforcethemagainsttherespondent

(towhomtheorderisdirected).

 Schedulecasemonitoringconferenceswhen

necessaryandconsiderexcusingthepetitioner

fromappearing.

 Considerciviland/orcriminalcontempt

sanctions,asappropriate.

 Donotremoveprotectionsunlessvictimhasha

d

priornoticeandopportunitytobeheard.



FullFaithandCredit

EnsurethatCourtcomplieswithTheViolenceAgainst

WomenAct2005(VAWA)regardingFullFaithandCredit

requiringenforcementofordersissuedbyother

jurisdictions,includingcustodyprovisions.

 Validordersofprotectionfromotherjurisdictions

mustbehonoredandenforced,evenifnot

registered.

 Protectionordersin

cludethefollowinglanguage:

“Thiscivilprotectionorderhasbeenissuedin

compliancewiththenoticeanddueprocess

requirementssetforthintheViolenceAgainst

WomenActof2005,18U.S.C.§2265andthe

lawsofthisstate.Thisorder,andallofits

provisions,isenforceableinallfifty(50)sta

tes,

theDistrictofColumbia,triballands,andU.S.

territories.”

 Mutualorders(i.e.,ordersissuedagainstboth

partiesonthebasisofonlyonepetition)arenot

entitledtofullfaithandcreditinother

jurisdictionsandshouldbediscouraged.



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

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

 Courtsandlawenforcementagenciesreceiving

federalfundingmustcertifythattheirlaws,

officialpoliciesorpracticesprohibittheissuance

ofmutualprotectionorders.



FirearmsProhibitions

18U.S.C.§922(g)(8)prohibitspersonssubjectto

“qualifyingordersofprotection”frompossessinga

firearmorammunitioninoraffectingcommerce.

Violationofthelawispunishablebyuptotenyearsin

prison.



Ensuretheorderisa“qualifyingorderofprotection”

underfederallaw:

“Respondenthasbeenacc

ordednoticeand

opportunitytobeheardpetitionerisan“intimate

partner”orthechildofeitherparty(18U.S.C.

§921(32))orderincludesafindingthatthe

respondentisacrediblethreattotheintimate

partnerorchild,orprohibitsfutureuseor

attempteduseofphysicalharmreasonably

expectedtoc

ausebodilyinjury;ororderprohibits

respondentfromcontinuingtoharass,threaten,

stalkorotherwiseengageinactsthatwould

placetheintimatepartnerinreasonablefearof

bodilyinjurytothemselvesorthechild.”



Whereappropriate,orderandverifysurrenderof

weaponstolawenforcement.Respondentsshouldbe

orderedtofileth

ereceiptfromthepoliceagencyor

proofofsaletothecourt.



Whentheprotectionorderisissued,providethe

followingwarning,eitherverballyorinwriting,tothe

respondent,asrequiredby42U.S.C.3796gg‐1(e):



“Asaresultofthisorder,itmaybeunlawfulfor

youtopossessorpu

rchaseafirearm,includinga

rifle,pistol,orrevolver,orammunitionpursuant

tofederallawunder18U.S.C.922(g)(8)[and/or

statelaw].Ifyouhaveanyquestionswhether

theselawsmakeitillegalforyoutopossessor

purchaseafirearm,youshouldconsultan

attorn

ey.”



Surrender/Transfer/ReturnofFirearms

Requirethesurrenderofallfirearmsbeforethe

defendantisreleasedfromcustodyanduponconviction

ofaMCDV(misdemeanorcrimeofdomesticviolence).



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30



Establishacompliancemechanismforsurrenderof

firearm(i.e.,specifytheplacewherethefirearmshould

besurrendered,thedateandtimethesurrendershould

becompletedandadescriptionofthefirearm(s)tothe

extentpossible).



DirecttheSherifforotherappropriateagencytodestroy

anysurrenderedfirearmabsentproofoflawful

ownership(ifauthorizedu

nderstatelaw).Iflawfully

owned,ajudgemayapproveaplanforsale/transferofa

firearm.



Establishaprocedureforreturnoffirearms:

 Conductahearingpriortoreturningfirearmsto

determinetherespondent/defendant’seligibility

topossessunderstateandfederallaw.

 Providethevictimwiththeopportunitytobe

heardinallproceedingsrelatedtothereturnof

firearmsandammunitiontothe

respondent/defendantandnotifyth

evictim.



Whentherespondent/defendantseekstotransfertheir

firearmstoathirdparty:

 Determinewhetherornotthethirdpartyis

prohibitedfrompossessingfirearmsunderstate

orfederallaw.

 Holdahearingtodeterminewhetherthe

respondent/defendantwouldretainaccess

(constructivepossession)tothefirearm(s).

 Haveboththeresponde

nt/defendantandthe

transfereesignaformthatacknowledgesthat

firearmsmaynotbetransferredtoaprohibited

party.Signingshouldbewitnessedbycourtstaff

orunderpenaltyofperjuryasacourtorder.

 Informtherespondent/defendantandthe

transfereethattheymaybesubjecttofederal

prosecutioniftheyknowi

nglytransferorreturn

anyfirearmtoaprohibitedperson.18U.S.C.

§922(d)(8),(9).



EnsureAccesstotheCourt

ProvideLanguageAccess(TitleVIoftheCivilRightsAct;

AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct)



Consultfederalandstatelawtoensurecompliancewith

legalrequirementsforlanguageaccesstothecourts.



 Utilizeprofessionaland/orqualifiedinterpreters.

Knowhowtoqualifyaninterpreterforlegal

proceedings.Innocaseshouldapar

ty’schildor

otherfamilymemberbeaskedtointerpret.



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

 Beawarethatsomelanguagecommunitiesare

verysmall,andeffectivecommunicationrequires

thatthepartymustbecomfortablewiththe

interpreterchosenandsatisfiedthatthereareno

potentialconflictsofinterestorsafetyconcerns.

 Whentherespondenthasmeans,orderthatthe

costsofinterpreters/translatorsbepai

dby

respondent.



ProvidePhysicalAccess

Consultstateandfederallawstoensurecompliancewith

legalminimumsforphysicalaccesstothecourts.

(AmericanwithDisabilitiesAct;statelaw.)

 Ensurecourtroomisfreeofarchitecturaland

communicationbarriers(e.g.,signs,alarms).

 Provideauxiliaryaidsorserviceswhentheyare

necessarytoensureeffectivecom

munication

(e.g.,usingaTTYorM‐relayserviceforlitigants

whoareDeaforhardofhearing.

 ProvideBrailledocumentsorreadingdocuments

toablindlitigant.





BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

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

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

BattererInterventionPrograms

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

BatterersInterventionPrograms(BIP)

Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



ReferraltoaBIPfromcourtpersonnel/probation

includes:

 CopyofanyDV‐relatedpolicereportswiththisor

previousvictims(ifprivacylawsallow)

 Judgmentandsentence

 Previousandcurrentfamilycourtprotection

ordersfromfamilycourt,firearmsrestrictions

 Informationregardinghistoryofsubstanceabuse

ormentalhe

althproblems,includingPTSD/TBI

relatedtocombatexperience

 Riskassessmentresults



Referralprocedureswiththecourt/probationallowfor

promptidentificationofreferralswhofailtoenrollinthe

BIPinthetimeallottedandpromptnotificationbackto

thecourt/probationoftheviolation.



Staffconductariskassessmentatintakeaccordingto

agencyprotocol.



Staffinquireaboutcombatexperienceandpossible

PTSD/TBIatintakeandreferparticipantforPTSD/TBI

assessment.



Staffcontactthevictimtoexplaintheprogramandtheir

proceduresforalertingher/himwhenstaffareconcerned

thattheparticipantmayposeadangertothevictimor

children.



Duringtheparticipant’stimeintheprogram,staff

recognizeanddocumentriskfactorsforre‐

assault/lethalityastheyaredisclosed,suchas:

 Victimattemptingapermanentbreakand

programparticipantisupset

 Ex‐partnerdatinganewperson,excessive

jealousy

 Obsessionwithvictim/partner;stalkingbehaviors

 Homicideors

uicidethreats

 Newpolicecontactsorarrests,orincidentsof

violenceingeneral

 Ongoingeffortstotakechildrenfrommother

throughacustodycase

 Childrenathomewhoarenottheparticipant’s



BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

33



 Unstablemedicationduetolossofhealth

insuranceorjob

 Abuseofalcoholordrugs

 Multiplevictims

 Animalabuse,killingpets

 Accesstoweapons



Wheneverrisk/lethalityindicatorsarehigh,BIPstaff

contact:

 Thevictimtocheckonher/hiswelfareand

discussstepstoenhanceherprotectionOR

 Theadvocacyprogramworkingwiththevictim,if

areleaseofinformationhasbeensignedbythe

victim

 Court/probationstafftodiscussstrategiesfor

increasedco

ntainmentormonitoring,suchas

requiringadditionalgroupsessionsoruseofGPS

 Otherrelevantagencies,suchasalcoholanddrug

treatmentprograms



Staffpromptlyreporttoprobationwhenparticipants

reachanagreeduponnumberofunexcusedabsences.



Separategroupsareofferedforfemaleandmale

participants.



Wheneverpossible,BIPaccommodatesoffenderswith

specialneedsorprovidesculturally‐specificprogramming

forparticipantsofdiverseculturalbackgrounds.





BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject,October2015

34



AccountingforRiskandDanger:

CivilProtectionOrders

AccountingforRiskandDanger:

CivilProtectiveOrders

Notehowthepracticeisimplemented,orifthereisa

gaptobeaddressed



Accessibility

Childcareisavailableforlitigantsseekingorders.

Thecourthouseisphysicallyaccessibletoallpersons.

Interpretersareavailabletoassistthroughoutthecivil

protectionorderprocess.

Nofeesarechargedforrequesting,filing,modifying,

dismissingorservinganorder





CourtSafety

 Addressconfidentialityisavailabletothe

petitionerifsorequested.

 Thecourthouseprovidesseparate,monitored

waitingroomsforpetitionersandrespondents.

 Securitypersonnelarepresentinthecourthouse

andcourtroomandtoaccompany

petitioners/witnessestoparkingareasand/or

busstops.

 Attheconclusionoftheco

urtappearance,

petitionersarepermittedtoleavethecourtroom

andcourthousebeforerespondents.





IssuingtheOrder

 Courtevaluatesriskandlethalityfactorsinthe

petitiontocraftappropriaterelief.

 Courtconsidersharmtochildrenanduseof

childrenasaninstrumentofabuseindeciding

custodyandvisitationmattersinprotection

orders.

 Courtisawareofothercourtordersineffect,e.g.

juvenile,familycourtanddoesnotcr

eate

contradictorymandatesforpetitioneror

respondent. 



EconomicRelief

Economicreliefasallowablebystatuteisprovidedto

protectvictimbyenablinghertoliveapartfromthe

respondent,including:

 Childsupport

 Maintenance

 Mortgage

 Carpayments

 Attorney’sfees

 Courtcosts

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

 Servicefees

 Medicalexpenses

 Debts

 Othereconomicrestitution



Custody&Visitation

 Ordersarecraftedtoensurethesafetyof

petitionerandminorchildrenduringvisitation

andexchanges.

 Safevisitationandexchangeproceduresor

orderingtheuseofavisitationcenter.

 Visitationscheduleinprotectionorderiscreated.

 Courtcarefullyevaluatesappropriatenessof

allowingfamilymembersorotherthirdpartiesto

supervisevisitation.

 Ifth

epetitionerobjectstovisitationand

paternityhasnotbeenestablishedpursuantto

staterequirements,thecourtshouldwithhold

visitationuntilpaternityisestablished.



Firearms

 Theprotectionorderformclearlyincludes

informationonstateandfederalfirearm

prohibitions.

 Judgeverballyadvisesrespondentabout

potentialfirearmprohibitionapplicabilityas

requiredbyVAWA.

 Petitionerisencouragedtoprovideinformation

ontheuseandcontroloffirearmsinthepetition

orthroughcourtinquiry.

 Orderbarspossessi

onorcontroloffirearm(s)and

ammunition.

 Procedureisestablishedandimplementedto

ensurerespondent’ssurrenderoffirearm(s).



Service

 Safetyplanningandinformationisprovidedto

thepetitioner.

 Petitionerisnotifiedpromptlyafterserviceofthe

protectionorderorifservicehasbeen

unsuccessful.

 Lawenforcementdocumentstherespondent’s

behaviorduringservicethatindicatesapotential

elevatedthreattothepetitionerandnotifiesthe

petitionerandhisorherad

vocate,ifknownto

lawenforcement.

 Seizefirearmsandammunitioninrespondent’s

possessionwhenservingprotectionorderas

permittedunderstateorfederallaw.

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 Formalmemorandumofunderstanding(MOU)

betweenthelocalmilitaryinstallationandthe

localjurisdictionallowsformilitaryrespondents

tobeservedcivilianprotectionordersonbase.

Militarypoliceorprovostmarshalofficerare

contactedtoassistwithobtainingserviceon

militaryrespondents.



Enforcement

 Protectionordersareenforcedwithoutrequiring

registrationorfilingoftheorder.

 Arrestismadeforaviolationwhenthe

respondenthasactualorconstructiveknowledge

oftheprotectionorder,pursuanttoenforcing

jurisdiction’slaws.

 Provisionsinout‐of‐stateandtribalprotection

ordersareenforced,eveniftheenforci

ng

jurisdiction’sstatutesdonotprovidefor

 similarrelief.

 Custodyprovisionsareenforced.

 Economicreliefprovisionsareenforced



JudicialEnforcement

 Courtenforcesallprotectionordersincluding

ordersfromotherstates,tribesandterritories.

 Proactiveenforcementofprotectionordersis

practicedbythecourtthroughtheuseof

compliancehearings.

 Custodyandvisitationprovisionsareenforcedto

thesamedegreeasnocontactorstayaway

provisions,pursuanttostatestatutes.

 Recordindi

cateswhentherespondentisarepeat

violator.

 Thecourtimposesappropriatesanctionsas

allowedbystatute.

 Sanctionsimposenoundueburdenonthe

protectedparty.

