DeKalb Magistrate Court receives $749K federal grant to help protect victims of domestic violence

The DeKalb County Magistrate Court has been awarded a grant of $749,000 which it will use, in conjunction with its community partners, to increase compliance with protective orders and to strengthen legal advocacy services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

The court handles the county’s temporary protective order cases by designation, including monitoring compliance under the protective orders.

“The Magistrate Court handles more than 3,000 temporary protective orders per year,” DeKalb County Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson said. “The court not only recognizes the importance of issuing protective orders, but we are also acutely aware of the necessity to ensure compliance with those orders. This grant will enable the court, together with our criminal justice and community partners, to greatly enhance the safety of victims and the public at large.”

The Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act.

The program enhances victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking by encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate with community partners to identify problems and share ideas that will result in effective responses to these crimes.

An integral component of this program is the creation and enhancement of a coordinated community response that brings together criminal justice agencies,

victim services providers, and community organizations that respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.