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Information for Special VictimsDomestic Violence
Among the most difficult and sensitive calls for police assistance are those involving domestic violence. When responding to a domestic disturbance, officers must be both alert and impartial, and must be concerned with the needs of victims where domestic violence is apparent or alleged. Police are well aware that situations, which appear minor at first glance, can mask a much more serious condition. In response to the growing problem of domestic violence in our community, a partnership has been formed between the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, Safe Passage, the Northampton Police Department and other area police departments. The purpose of the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP) is to provide victims of domestic violence with immediate supportive intervention by trained domestic violence advocates from local established battered women's programs. A multi-agency, early intervention approach has been demonstrated to result in more support and services for the victim, fewer repeat calls for the police, an increase in interventions with abusers and more successful prosecution. Officers commonly respond to reports of domestic violence. The following chart illustrates the number of domestic violence calls that Northampton Police Officers respond to between 2006 and 2008. It also details how many of those calls resulted in arrest and how many resulted in criminal complaints.
FAQ's- Domestic Violence/Restraining OrdersDomestic Violence Links |
