What is the Domestic Violence High Risk Team Model?
The Domestic Violence High Risk Team ModelSM (DVHRT) employs a multi-disciplinary team of core partners working in concert to increase victim safety by monitoring and containing offenders and providing comprehensive victim services. Offering an alternative to the traditional domestic violence shelter system, the DVHRT is an innovative approach which helps victims remain safely in their communities. Our model holds offenders accountable, gives victims a safe, socially just alternative to shelters, and recognizes that domestic violence homicides are both predictable and preventable.
The program focuses equally on victim safety and services and offender accountability by using a three-pronged approach:
- Early identification of high risk offenders through risk assessment.
- Case-specific, multi-disciplinary response to high risk cases
- Coordinated and ongoing monitoring and containment of offenders.
Our model is based on applied research of Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell, a leader in the study of intimate partner homicide (IPH). Dr. Campbell identified both risk and protective factors for IPH and demonstrated that the escalation of domestic violence to lethal levels follows predictable patterns.
Leveraging Campbell's research, we created a risk assessment to help identify cases with the greatest likelihood of re-assault and/or lethal attack. The DVHRT then develops individualized intervention plans to interrupt the cycle of escalating violence and minimize the risk of further abuse. Monitoring offenders and sharing information across disciplines helps close the gaps in the system and ensure that the most dangerous cases are comprehensively and strategically addressed.
Successful DVHRT's have full participation from its partners; victim services, law enforcement, probation, district attorney's office, certified batterers' intervention programs, corrections department, and local hospitals. This team works collaboratively to identify the most dangerous domestic violence cases in the community and offer a coordinated effort for domestic violence response and better options and support for victims.
Watch this emotional video to learn why the DVHRT Model was formed.
Join us for "Driving Change," a conference about best practices towards putting an end to domestic violence homicide.
Learn more about how you, too, can help put an end to domestic violence homicide in your community.
