Questions that save lives: County law enforcement rolling out risk assessments on DV calls
At Haven, we know that community partnerships are critical to our work supporting survivors of domestic violence in Gallatin Valley. That’s why we’re pleased that our local law enforcement partners will soon be asking survivors on domestic violence calls seven simple questions – a pilot project that’s saved lives across the country, and one that will also be the first wave of such assessments implemented in several other Montana counties.
Neil Websdale, the director of the Family Violence Center at Arizona State University, speaking at the risk-assessment training in Bozeman on Oct. 19.
“From talking with advocates here, we’re most looking forward to all the partners – whether they’re systems-based partners like law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, or community-based agencies like we are at Haven – all speaking the same language as we’re offering survivors support,” said Haven Executive Director Erica Aytes Coyle at the opening of a local training in the assessments on Oct. 19.
The questionnaires, known as risk assessments:
provide a uniform way for patrol officers, prosecutors, shelter coordinators, and victim advocates to identify survivors in the highest level of danger (ie does their abuser have access to firearms, is there a history of strangulation)
can inform judges as they set bail and release conditions for abusers
help survivors recognize when they might be in danger
The pilot program was slated to start following an Arizona State University (ASU) training in Bozeman for local law enforcement, court personnel, and advocates on Oct. 19-20. Led by ASU’s law-enforcement director Greg Giangobbe and ASU’s Family Violence Center director Neil Websdale, the training focused on Dr. Websdale’s widely used method of assessing risk.
In the next year, the risk assessment questionnaires will expand beyond Gallatin County to police departments and courts in Kalispell, Helena, and Missoula.
Haven, along with key leaders from local law enforcement, the courts, and victim services, helped make this pilot program a reality as part of our work in the Domestic Violence Response Team.
Press coverage:
“Gallatin County law enforcement to pilot new domestic violence questionnaire,” Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Oct. 19.
“Gallatin County rolls out new program for domestic violence victims,” ABC Fox Montana, Oct. 19.
“Gallatin County law enforcement will begin using domestic violence risk assessment,” Yellowstone Public Radio, Oct. 23.
“Gallatin County law enforcement to pilot domestic-violence questionnaires,” Three Forks Voice, Oct. 25.
“Gallatin County law enforcement to pilot seven-question risk assessment for domestic abuse survivors,” Explore Big Sky, Oct. 19.
What our partners say:
Dave Ferguson, Detective, Bozeman Police Department: "Bozeman PD is committed to reducing homicides and to keeping victims of domestic violence from falling through the cracks in the system, and these risk assessments have been proven to do that in other jurisdictions where they've been implemented. BPD will begin training patrol in the use of these assessments starting next week."
Dan Springer, Gallatin County Sheriff: “The Sheriff’s Office is excited to attend the lethality assessment training. We believe implementing these procedures will make victims of domestic violence safer, it will connect them to needed services and it will keep dangerous people from inflicting future harm. We recognize the importance of consistency across all agencies and their response to these calls and this training will continue to improve upon that consistency.”
Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney: “I am proud that our County is using evidence-based criminal justice tools to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable community members. This tool will help us effectively and efficiently address domestic violence calls and provide immediate support for victims. I’m thankful that our law enforcement partners across the County have come together to approve the use of a uniform tool to address family violence and keep victims safe and supported.”
Jordyn Gaurkee, City of Bozeman Victim Services Coordinator: “The City of Bozeman’s victim services program has been working with other agencies in Gallatin County to bring the Arizona State University Team to Bozeman. Having the APRAIS Model to use in our county is another step forward in our efforts to improve services for victims of crimes.”
Dustin Lensing, Belgrade Police Chief: “Domestic violence is an issue that demands a comprehensive approach. I am proud of the Belgrade Police Department’s commitment to the implementation of risk assessments on every domestic violence call. This initiative not only demonstrates our dedication to saving lives but also paves the way for other Montana police departments and court systems to follow suit.”