The local police department has an incredibly important role in our ability to help victims of domestic violence. They help to foster a sense of safety for victims by offering referrals to HAVEN services, extra patrol around a victim’s home, escort service to retrieve belongings from a home, and transportation from the scene of abuse. The most important role the police have in the lives of our clients is working with the HAVEN legal advocate to enforce and implement Orders of Protection.
HAVEN collaborates with police and other community responders in a group called the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT), a collaborative organization of multiple disciplines working to provide the best comprehensive services to victims in a seamless and easy process. This group includes representatives from HAVEN, Bozeman and Belgrade Police Departments, Sheriff’s Department, MSU VOICE Center, MSU Police Department, Sexual Assault Counseling Center, City and County Prosecutors, Hearts and Homes, Probation and Parole Department, and Victim Services. Each member of this eclectic group brings a different perspective to the community approach to domestic violence. The monthly meetings help to encourage collaboration and communication across services.
DVRT is currently working to evaluate and possibly change police protocol for police response to domestic violence calls, and to include a trained HAVEN advocate on the initial call to support a victim immediately after an incident of violence.
Thank you to the local police departments and the members of DVRT for collaborating with HAVEN on this important community issue.
