The Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project (BWLAP) launched the DVIC project in 2008 in Beltrami and Clay Counties, with the generous support of Minneapolis Foundation.
Each team is comprised by representatives of the courts, legal services, law enforcement, prosecution, child protection, advocacy, health services, and other professionals working in the field of domestic violence.
DVIC goal is to formulate proactive protocols that are implemented throughout each agency that handles cases or provides services to victims of domestic violence. These protocols outline the service and response that each agency will provide to a victim presenting at their agency. The implementation of this process provides for accountability and reliability within the system. In addition, the process will elevate the agencies 'crisis mode' of operation ensuring that the process is a well thought out protocol for both the agencies and the victim.
Furthermore, the interagency council are tailored to the unique mix of agencies, resources, strengths and weaknesses within each individual county. In other words, each team will consist of agencies that are reflective of the resources and services to victims of domestic violence within that county.
Throughout the process, the team evaluates the existing services within their county, gains insight and feedback from victims of domestic violence on the effectiveness of the response of the system through a victim experience survey, conducts a community needs assessment, drafts and adopts protocol, provides training to the participating agencies on the protocol and monitors and evaluates the protocol.
The model was originally developed by the Sexual Violence Justice Center and has been very successful throughout the state. This process has built and enhanced system relationships across disciplines while improving the system's response to victims.
For more information about DVIC, please contact us.
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer and/or call Day One Minnesota's Domestic Violence Crisis Line at: 1.866.223.1111
©2010 Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project · Legal · Privacy Policy · Dashboard