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In January of 2001, New York State Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye announced the creation of integrated domestic violence courts. These “one family/one judge” courts are designed to respond to the unique nature of domestic violence, which often requires domestic violence victims and their families to appear in different courtrooms before several judges. The integrated courts build on the innovations developed across the state by domestic violence courts, which over the last few years have improved defendant accountability and enhanced victim safety. Under the integrated model, one judge handles criminal domestic violence cases and related family issues, such as custody, visitation, civil protection orders and matrimonial actions. By streamlining and centralizing court processes, integrated courts eliminate contradictory orders and improve victim safety. They also hold offenders to a higher level of accountability by concentrating responsibility for defendant oversight in the hands of a single judge. In addition, victims gain a greater voice in their cases and are better able to address critical family issues—such as economic dependence—that impede their ability to prosecute their abusers and, ultimately, to achieve independence.
Currently, there are more then 30 integrated domestic violence courts were operating in New York counties that included as Rensselaer, Westchester, the Bronx, Rochester, Syracuse, Richmond, Queens, Tompkins, Erie, Franklin, and Suffolk. |
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Integrated domestic violence courts improve the handling of domestic violence cases through:
One Family/One Judge: A single presiding judge has been cross-trained to handle all matters—both criminal and civil—relating to a family. In the past, a Family Court judge might never hear about an order of protection issued in Criminal Court, or a Criminal Court judge might never learn about relevant issues that arise in Family Court. By concentrating responsibility with a single judge, the court speeds decision-making, improves defendant accountability, enhances victim safety and eliminates the potential for conflicting judicial orders.
Defendant Monitoring: By bringing all aspects of a domestic violence case before a single judge, the court increases coordination among criminal justice and community-based social service agencies. In addition, through scheduling regular compliance dates, the court keeps close tabs on defendants and responds quickly to allegations of non-compliance.
Informed Decision-Making: By working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from civil attorneys, law enforcement, probation, and parole—judges gain greater access to necessary information.
Greater Efficiency: By handling both criminal and civil matters in a single hearing, the integrated domestic violence courts aims to reduce the number of court appearances for litigants. This speeds dispositions and streamlines the process for all participants.
Services for Victims: The court works closely with specialists who counsel victims and link them to appropriate services, such as housing and job training.
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Center staff works with other jurisdictions accross the country (including Alabama, Mississippi and Vermont) to improve their court response to domestic violence. Click here to see our technical assistance page.
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