2 Programs to Target Domestic Violence

One of two innovative programs to combat domestic violence in Ventura will launch its services this week, in a citywide effort to provide better medical, psychological and courtroom support to victims.

“This is a big step forward,” said Angela Lawson, a spokeswoman for the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, which is running both programs. “Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we will be able to go out to them.”

The first program is the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), which will begin responding to calls Thursday. The city has used a $150,000 state grant to set up a domestic violence unit within the Police Department.

The unit will be staffed by a domestic violence investigator and a police services officer, who will respond to incidents immediately after they are reported.

On Monday night, the City Council signed a formal agreement for the coalition to provide DART with trained volunteers to offer on-the-spot crisis intervention, and other services such as filing restraining orders, providing shelter and counseling.

The coalition will also run the Ventura Avenue Anti-Violence Program. The program is paid for with a $750,000 grant over a three-year period from the California Department of Social Services.

As part of that effort, the coalition will open a West Ventura Family Development Resource Center at 110 North Olive St., next to the police storefront. They plan to open the center in April.

The program is one of five demonstration programs scattered throughout the state. Lawson said it is focused on the Avenue because of the volume of domestic violence calls the area generates.

In the Avenue area, which is home to 18,000 residents, there were 11,566 calls to the Ventura Police Department for the year ending Sept. 30.

Those interested in volunteering for the coalition should call 654-8141.