Evaluating a Multi-Disciplinary Response to Domestic Violence: The DVERT (Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team) Program in Colorado Springs. Final Report

摘要

This study examines the Colorado Springs Police Departments Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT). Through a researcher-practitioner partnership grant from the National Institute of Justice, 21 Century Solutions, Inc. conducted a process evaluation of this unique team. The evaluation effort included a careful examination of case files (1996-2000), observations of DVERT activities, interviews with members of DVERT, and interviews with victims of domestic violence. Overall, we found that DVERTs philosophy and activities differ from the traditional police response to domestic violence. DVERT follows a multidisciplinary approach - it includes over 25 partner agencies that work together to keep the victim safe from harm. Police officers and detectives, victim advocates, prosecutors, child service providers, probation officers, and health care professionals intervene when serious domestic violence cases occur in Colorado Springs. Interventions include: contacts with victims by police and advocates; counseling of victims, batterers, and children; arrests; support in court; and a full range of family services. DVERTs activities have resulted in better services for victims and their children, more awareness of domestic violence by the criminal justice system, the perception of a reduction in violence, and a high level of cooperation and collaboration among city and county agencies.