Domestic Violence First Responders

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CRISIS SERVICES OF NORTH ALABAMA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

The 911 Center receives a frantic call from a 6-year-old girl describing a fight between her mom and dad. Two patrol units are dispatched to the address. Riding along in one of the patrol cars is a DV First Responder. The units arrive at the scene and find the violence still in progress. The officers immediately intervene to stop the fighting. The wife has a bloody nose and swelling under her eyes. Two children are huddled in the corner, crying and holding on to one another. The husband is belligerent, exclaiming that its his house and what goes on there is his business. While the officers are handcuffing and arresting the husband, the DV First Responder is comforting the battered wife and children. Safety options, including the availability of HOPE Place shelter, are explained to the victim, and a 911 bag, which holds stuffed animals, educational coloring books, and a safety plan for kids, is given to each child.

The Domestic Violence First Responder Program is a joint effort of Crisis Services of North Alabama and the Huntsville and Decatur Police Departments. The program pairs victim advocates with patrol officers creating a proactive force to combat and reduce domestic violence in the community. Specially trained victim advocates team with police officers and investigators to provide on-the-scene support for adult victims and children exposed to abuse. This approach differs from the traditional police response and enables advocates to connect, intercede and offer various support options at the time of crisis.

CSNA's First Responder Program Coordinator teams with investigators and operates from the office of the Huntsville Police Department Domestic Violence Unit. She reviews cases and attempts to contact each victim by phone or in person to discuss safety issues and reiterate support options. Ongoing support is provided for victims entangled in potentially life-threatening relationships.

The program currently has approximately 40 trained volunteer Responders. Through this proactive approach, we are reaching victims who might otherwise be reluctant to seek shelter or support services. In the past, these victims often fell through the cracks and tended to endure numerous assaults before seeking help. We also place special emphasis on children who are living in the household. Advocates intercede on their behalf and direct them to various services designed to help children exposed to violence.

The collaborative effort between these agencies provides a valuable front-line service to victims of domestic violence in a time-critical manner, undoubtedly contributing greatly to the safety and quality of life for victims within our community.

If you are interested in becoming a DV First Responder or would like more information about us, please contact CSNA's Volunteer Coordinator at (256) 716-4052 or click here to find out how to volunteer.