Editorial: Domestic violence victims get one-stop service

Domestic violence has a home, and that’s a good thing.

In February, local law enforcement officials and the YWCA consolidated domestic violence services at a new Family Justice Center in the nonprofit’s North Monroe building.

Officers, deputies and prosecutors handling domestic violence reports now share space with the Y’s counselors in space remodeled using philanthropic contributions.

For victims who may not have a car, or might have to herd multiple children with them on buses, just having a one-stop place where they can get needed help is be a big deal.

On-site child care helps, too.

But the justice center idea, which originated in San Diego and was nurtured by President George W. Bush, is about more than convenience.

A team consisting of three Spokane Police officers, a sergeant and a lieutenant — Spokane County sheriff’s deputies are also involved _ handle the criminal complaint and, with a prosecutor, walk victims through the judicial process so they know what to expect.

Three days after the initial abuse report, a police officer or deputy will follow up with a home visit, asking whether the situation has stabilized and whether the victim feels safe. The officer provides a business card in case the abuse resumes.

In the past, subsequent investigation would have been left to overloaded prosecutors. If there was none, a victim’s sense of helplessness increased, and the assailants felt empowered.

Now, the officer visits sometimes result in additional charges, as if there weren’t already enough work.

Protection orders were violated 488 times in the last six months, 313 assaults were committed and 66 domestic violence citations were issued.

The rate of domestic violence in Spokane County is above the state average.

While the law enforcement process moves forward, YWCA counselors determine the needs of the victim and her (it’s usually a woman) family, and identify the appropriate resources, including alternative housing and workforce training.

They can leave with some hope the support will be ongoing, but that is not a given.

Adequate resources to combat domestic violence in Spokane County have been a sometimes thing.

The Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Team depended on grant dollars. Since that money dried up, a mishmash of money from the city and county have sustained services, but not dependably and not efficiently.

The Family Justice Center model can be effective and efficient. It is unique among its dozens of peers nationally because it was not launched with grant money.

Mayor David Condon said Monday that the city can continue its support with current resources. With the Police Department at full staff for the first time in years, that should be a solid commitment.

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich has also dedicated manpower to making the center a success.

Family justice is a admirable goal, but it will take time.