In 2017, I had the distinct honor of taking over the Felony Domestic Violence Court (“FDV Court”). I am proud to work with a dynamic team of prosecutors, public defenders, treatment providers, community stakeholders, and case managers. The team is extraordinary, each member uniquely passionate about their role. We meet every Monday morning, discussing each participant’s progress and compliance. We all work together to accomplish the mission of the court: to keep victims safe, and end the cycle of intimate partner domestic violence.

Today was graduation day, my favorite. We added 4 graduates to the growing list of 90 who have successfully completed the demanding curriculum.

Is the court working overall? Dr. Jill Johansson-Love is in the process of finalizing a paper she is writing about the Court. I’ll be sure and share it with you when I can, but here is a very promising preview: When compared with the control group, FDV Court Graduates are significantly more likely to complete probation successfully, and far less likely to be revoked for committing a new domestic violence offense.

I can’t think of many days in a Felony District Court as rewarding as graduation days like these. One graduate wrote in his exit interview, “Things within my relationship has been different. My wife and I are talking more. There’s more of an easiness we have with one another, a joking, playfulness we now share.” I’m proud of him and grateful to see the changes he’s made. He and the other graduates are well on their way to successfully completing probation, a testament not only to their determination and fortitude, but to that of the FDV Court team, too. Join me in congratulating the graduates and my team for the work they are doing in accomplishing the mission of the Court.