WE THE UNDERSIGNED, (Domestic Violence and Mental Health Community) WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM(S), WITH RECOMMENDATION(S):

 I.  Every victim that files a domestic violence complaint voice must be heard in a safe environment where the findings of the case is given a legitimate hearing with the appropriate resolution.

A.  All 100 counties in the state of North Carolina must adhere to the best practices and be consistent across all county lines regarding the handling of all domestic violence proceedings/cases.

B. The TRO-(temporary restraining order) process be reviewed and reinforced with more effective measures that maintain the accountability of the aggressor and/or abuser at all times, (suggestion some type of monitor devise)

II.  The data included in all civil and criminal systems needs to be interchangeable in all domestic violence cases.

Example:  When the summons and or subpoena is issued court clerks must update and use the most recent data from the civil and criminal court systems.

III.  All officers of the law (local, city and county police officers, sheriffs and special domestic violence units, magistrates, domestic violence court advocates, etc.) needs to be educated about the most recent domestic violence laws, trends and cases in there area.  In addition, all personnel named need to have ongoing domestic violence training quarterly and must show proof of completion of this training. (All of these named need to be aware)

A.  Local, city and county police officers, sheriffs and special domestic violence units, magistrates, domestic violence court advocates, etc. needs to be able (trained) to identify if a mental health assessment and or mental health services need to be provided to those involved in a domestic violence case.

IV.  We are soliciting more federal, state and local funding to provide adequate safe housing for victims and their families (the last 3 years DV statistics should be used to make this determination for additional safe housing) of domestic violence in all rural counties.

A.  All shelters in the state of North Carolina should be family friendly which includes housing for children.

V.  When a 911 call has been placed and it has been determined that it is a domestic violence incident and law enforcement will have to be dispatched, the 911 operator must inquire if children are directly or indirectly involved.  If children are involved directly or indirectly a social worker needs to be dispatched to assess their well being and there should be follow up with appropriate social services and or mental health providers.