GOSHEN – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has become the latest law enforcement agency in the county to join the Risk Reduction Response Program through Fearless! Hudson Valley aimed at reducing the risk of domestic violence and improving the safety of survivors.
Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rodney Carpentier said research shows that victims displaying certain warning signs are at significantly higher risk of serious injury or being killed by an intimate partner. Through this evidence-based program, deputies are now equipped with essential tools to identify individuals at greatest risk and connect them with immediate support, he said.
When deputies respond to a domestic incident involving intimate partners, they will conduct a confidential lethality assessment with the victim, said Carpentier.
“The first three questions are the most important. They specifically deal with firearms in the residence, attempts or threats to kill the victim, of their believe that their intimate partner has that capability,” he said. “Any answers to those questions that are ‘yes’ is an automatic call to Fearless!”
If the assessment points to that, the deputy will begin safety planning and connect the victim with a trained Fearless advocate to ensure the victim has access to crisis intervention, emergency resources, advocacy, and support.
If the assessment does not indicate an elevated risk level, the victim would still receive information about available services and have an opportunity to connect with Fearless! Hudson Valley.
The Risk Reduction Response Program is already in use by other law enforcement agencies in Orange County including the cities of Middletown, Newburgh and Port Jervis and the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor.
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