What does domestic abuse have to do with our justice system?
The justice system, which includes law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, probation, and the judiciary, can be one of the most important resources available for people affected by domestic abuse. Victims of abuse access the legal system in a multitude of ways, ranging from when the police first respond to a domestic violence report to when the victim may go to court for a Protection from Abuse order. The civil legal and criminal justice systems work diligently to respond appropriately and effectively to domestic violence.
How can Partners for Peace help?
Partners for Peace works with the justice system in a variety of ways to support the system’s work and increase the safety of people affected by domestic abuse. Read on to learn more about the work we do with the justice system.
- Police: Many police departments in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties have designated domestic violence investigators, with whom Partners for Peace works closely to increase the safety of victims and hold abusers accountable. The Bangor Police Department was one of the first in the state to designate a dedicated DV officer as an essential part of the coordinated community response to domestic violence.
- District Attorney’s Office: Every district attorney’s office in the state of Maine has a designated victim witness coordinator who works with victims of crime as they negotiate the criminal justice system. Partners for Peace works closely with the Victim Witness advocate in Penobscot County.
- Batterer’s Intervention Programs: Certified Batterer’s Intervention Programs (BIP) provide the most effective way to educate abusive partners and hold them accountable for their behavior choices. Partners for Peace is available for regular consultation and collaboration with Choice-V, a certified batterer’s intervention program in Penobscot County. As part of Maine Department of Justice BIP standards, Partners for Peace is also responsible for monitoring this program to ensure that victim safety is paramount and that abusive partners are being held to a high level of accountability.
- District Courts: Partners for Peace does court outreach and court accompaniments in Bangor, Newport, Millinocket, Lincoln, Indian Island, and Dover-Foxcroft Courts. We are available to consult with court personnel, attorneys, and/or judges on a variety of issues related to domestic violence.
- Law Projects: Partners for Peace keeps in close contact with other agencies in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties offering pro-bono legal representation to victims of domestic violence, such as Penquis Law Project, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, and Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project.
- Trainings: Over the years, Partners for Peace has trained many local law enforcement officials in domestic abuse, and more recently in the Predominant Aggressor analysis. We have provided domestic violence training in the Victim Assistance Academy and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Partners for Peace continues to be available to do specialized trainings related to domestic violence and the justice system for professionals within this system.
For more information
Pine Tree Legal
Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project
Penquis Law Project
Bangor Police Department