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Domestic Violence Courts

Domestic violence cases involving spouses and other intimate partners often entail complex processes that require careful consideration by the criminal justice system. In the 1990s, many jurisdictions began to create specialized domestic violence courts for judges to ensure follow-through on cases, aid domestic violence victims, and hold offenders accountable, with the assistance of justice and social service agencies.

By specializing in domestic violence offenses, these courts aim to process cases more efficiently and deliver more consistent rulings about domestic violence statutes. Some domestic violence courts also incorporate a stronger focus on rehabilitation of offenders and deterrence of repeat offenses.

Learn more about:

• Victim services and safety, including:
  • Courthouse and pretrial safety.
  • Orders of protection.
• Offender accountability procedures, including:
  • Offender assessments.
  • Batterer programs.
  • Offender monitoring.
• Judicial oversight and pretrial safety, including:
  • Benefits of implementing a pretrial safety program.
  • Implementing a pretrial safety program.
  • Implications and recommendations to improve pretrial safety.