KGUN 9NewsLocal News

Actions

New protocol will combat domestic violence in Pima County

Posted at 12:36 PM, Apr 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-03 01:15:11-04

Starting Monday local law enforcement agencies in Pima County will use a new protocol to help domestic violence victims. 

During an afternoon press conference, the Pima County Attorneys Office announced a number of local law enforcement agencies will roll out a new questionnaire on-scene to assess the type of risk victims are facing or will face in the future. 

"We know that domestic violence does not get less with time, it tends to continually escalate so if we can get an intervention before that lethality becomes where it is going to be serious injury or death that is a great thing for the people of Pima County," said Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier.

After victims answer the 18 questions, officers can determine if a victim is at an elevated or high risk.

Victims will be referred to a victim advocate and domestic violence service agency like Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuseto get services they need immediately.

Every year Tucson Police respond to more than 9,300 domestic violence calls a year. That is about 26 calls per day.