Integrated Domestic Violence Courts

Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) courts were originally established to improve both offender accountability and victim safety. At one time, men and women who had been abused by their spouses or partners had to undergo multiple court appearances, all before different judges, to resolve their criminal and family law issues. This new system integrated the criminal and civil justice systems by appointing one judge to oversee all legal matters connected to domestic violence cases.

Integrated domestic violence courts make offenders more accountable by placing them under the supervision of one judge who is not only familiar with the case but can also monitor their compliance with court-ordered sanctions and program guidelines. This judge is fully cognizant of every order that has been issued between the parties. They are also aware of past criminal records and have access to all prior court filings.

Victims’ gains added protection and security thanks to on-site services and the ability to have their family-related concerns addressed at the same time as the criminal complaints.

Program elements and benefits include:

• One judge per family: In integrated domestic violence courts, the presiding judge handles all civil and criminal matters involving a given family. By ensuring that one judicial authority issues orders of protection, handles family-related issues, and makes other applicable decisions, offender accountability and victim safety are improved while the chance of conflicting judicial decisions is removed entirely.
• Enhanced services for domestic violence victims: By working closely with victim advocates, integrated domestic violence courts facilitate access to emergency housing, counseling services, and job preparation training.
• Informed and efficient decision-making: One judge works with all authorities and legal personnel attached to the case, such as attorneys, police, probation officers, and parole officials, enabling them to stay current on all aspects. Because a single hearing covers both civil and criminal matters, the number of court appearances is reduced, and the process, in general, is streamlined for everyone involved.
• Better offender oversight: When a single judge handles all matters related to a specific domestic violence, it is easier to both schedule and monitor offender compliance conditions as well as rapidly respond to reports of non-compliance. There is less chance that an offender will ‘slip between the cracks’ and evade accountability.

To be eligible for integrated domestic violence court in New York, a family must have a criminal domestic violence case pending in addition to a matrimonial case and / or family court case. The New York State Unified Court System also requires that at least one defendant and one complainant in the criminal matter also be a party to the matrimonial or family case.

New York has over 40 integrated domestic violence courts scattered throughout the state, allowing divorcing spouses affected by domestic violence to resolve their situation in a more coherent and simplified manner. Attorneys who work in the court undergo training to handle domestic violence cases, so they can represent their clients whether the matter is criminal or related to the family. At Eskin & Eskin, P.C., we are experienced in family law and domestic violence matters. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience and represent clients regularly in court. We offer free consultations and our office can be reached at 718-402-5024. Visit www.EskinAndEskinLaw.com to learn more about our law firm.