POUGHKEEPSIE – Prior to domestic violence homicides, there are often warning signs, according to Universal Response To Domestic Violence/STRIVE Coordinator Kaitlin Rodrigues.
Dutchess County was one of the first to use the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) in 2014 to recognize those warning signs and reduce continued domestic violence. Every law enforcement agency in Dutchess County uses the LAP assessments when responding to reports of domestic
The lethality assessment, a standard 11-question survey administered by officers at the scene of a domestic violence incident, helps determine whether a situation poses a high risk for homicide. State Sen. Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) has co-sponsored a bill requiring all law enforcement agencies in New York to use the assessment during domestic violence calls to help identify high-risk cases.
“The LAP reflects the evolution of the domestic violence movement into an evidence-based, coordinated community response,” Rodrigues said. “When an assessment identifies a victim as being in great danger, officers connect them with the Family Services Center for Victim Safety and Support, where they can access specialized resources, skilled advocacy, and individualized safety planning. Research, according to Rodrigues, shows that timely identification of high-danger victims and connection to supportive services can significantly reduce the risk of intimate partner homicide.”
Rodrigues says the LAP is not static and continues to evolve with the times. Relying on data from the latest research, Strive has strengthened its ability to identify victims at the greatest danger for intimate partner homicide by incorporating critical warning signs associated with strangulation and stalking. Over the past year, STRIVE has focused on training and retraining law enforcement across all 17 jurisdictions in Dutchess County on the updated, evidence-based risk factors.
STRIVE has also provided outreach and education to community partners, such as local magistrates, on the updated research and is working to bring government officials into the program to ensure that the people who shape public policy understand the significance of LAP. Dutchess County funds a significant portion of the STRIVE program, and county legislators are slated to receive LAP training in the fall. The training has been expanded to cities and towns across the County to ensure elected officials at all levels work toward victim safety and offender accountability.
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi has established a “Smart Prosecution” program to handle domestic violence. . Parisi’s partner in county law enforcement, in partnership with Family Services Inc. The unit includes sworn officers and civilian staff who review orders of protection and follow up with victims identified through the LAP.
Comments