Publications

This report focuses on how misdemeanor cases of domestic violence are handled in Hennepin County’s three suburban courts. But the observations by WATCH court monitors and the recommendations have broader impact as communities across the United States grapple with what seems to be an intractable social problem. First and foremost, ending or reducing domestic violence requires commitment and constant attention by community leaders and our courts to the batterer intervention services available, shelter and support offered to victims and their children, and consequences batterers receive for their violence. Each municipality should focus efforts on eliminating domestic violence and putting in place policies that will make this a reality.