Domestic violence is a widespread problem. Approximately 20 people experience physical abuse from an intimate partner every minute in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This means more than 10 million women and men suffer abuse in this country every year.
In order to assist victims of domestic violence, New York introduced integrated domestic violence courts. These help families who have to deal with multiple matrimonial, criminal, and family matters.
If you are considering divorce, or if you were the victim of domestic violence, contact the Elliot Green Law Offices. A Staten Island divorce attorney will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and represent your interests. Call 718-260-8668 to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn the answers to four FAQs about integrated domestic violence courts in New York:
- What are integrated domestic violence courts?
According to New York Courts, integrated domestic violence, or IDV, courts are Supreme Court Parts that exist to serve families who are facing a crisis. In the current court system, victims often have to appear in front of multiple judges to handle matrimonial, criminal, and family matters. However, IDV courts take a one judge, one family approach. This means a single judge can evaluate multiple aspects of a family’s domestic violence case and related matters.
- What is the goal of IDV courts?
The goal of IDV courts in New York is to improve how the justice system treats children and families. They do this by encouraging judges to make more informed decisions. IDV courts improve consistency in protection orders, reduce the number of court appearances, and provide better services to victims. They also help ensure that offenders are held accountable.
- What cases do IDV courts hear?
According to NY Courts, IDV courts handle cases that involve domestic violence and related matrimonial, criminal, and family matters that involve a single family. There must be allegations of domestic violence for a case to be heard in IDV court, with related cases in at least two of these three areas. While the cases may be heard in the IDV court part, each case still retains its individual integrity. As such, the court does not consolidate the cases.
- Who decides whether a case goes to IDV court?
Contributing courts may identify cases that are appropriate for IDV court, and they will work together with law enforcement, attorneys, community service providers, and victim advocates to determine if an IDV court is appropriate.
If your case is going to integrated domestic violence court, contact the Elliot Green Law Offices. Mr. Green is an integrated domestic violence lawyer in Staten Island.
He can handle the legal aspects of your divorce, child custody battle, and domestic violence case so you can focus on your personal well-being. Call 718-260-8668 today to schedule a free, 30-minute initial consultation.
