KENT COUNTY, Mich. — There are two new courts in Kent County. One in Grand Rapids and another in Kentwood. Both are dedicated to domestic violence that will be launching soon.
The goal of the court is to offer support to victims, while holding offenders responsible.
"We have seen year over year, an increase in the number of domestic violence homicides and near fatal incidents here in Kent County," said Cheri Williams, Executive Director of Kent County Domestic Action.
On Wednesday, officials announced a new court in Kent County will launch July 29 giving special attention to cases and victims of domestic violence.
"While these courts take more time and energy and money to get going in the long run, the community, the victims and even the perpetrators, are far better served by these processes," said Stan Stek, Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair.
The courts will offer a 52-week, intervention program where defendants will meet with counselors and therapists. Organizers said they want to get to the root of what causes the violence.
"When we have participants who qualify and enter this program, we are proactively identifying the root causes of their violence, treating that, providing the supportive services and access to those interventions in order to prevent future recidivism," said Williams.
The court was formed with the input of law enforcement, domestic violence survivors, attorneys and support organizations. Rachel VerWys is the CEO of Safe Haven Ministries and said this comes after a big increase in domestic violence cases.
"National statistics show us, one in four women have experienced domestic violence and one in seven men, and that this issue of abuse doesn't discriminate," said VerWys.
As far as the impact on the community, VerWys said she hopes this new court will show survivors that their pain is taken seriously.
"You know, domestic violence is not a singular issue. It has a ripple effect in families in our community. We want to disrupt that abuse," said VerWys.
The courts will begin formally accepting referrals at the end of the month.
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