Domestic violence response teams awarded state funds

The Coalition to End Family Violence was recently awarded a grant from California’s Office of Emergency Services for its Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) program. The grant was one of only 12 awarded to 85 eligible agencies throughout the state.

The DVRT program is in partnership with Ventura County sheriff deputies, police departments, and medical providers who offer immediate crisis intervention in domestic violence situations.

“We commend the coalition for its dedicated response teams,” said Sgt. Pat Buckley, president of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association. “Their work is essential to help eliminate domestic violence in Ventura County.”

Each team has two trained counselors, including at least one who is bilingual, in locations across the county. Upon receiving a call from the police or an emergency medical provider, the coalition dispatches the closest team to meet with the victim within 30 minutes. The counselors inform the victim of assistance offered by the coalition, including emergency shelter, free legal services, private counseling, support groups, medical and dental help, and after-school resources.

In addition to the state grant, the DVRT program is funded by the Camarillo Health Care District and the Vons Foundation.

Based on the number of domestic violence 911 calls, the DVRT program is critical to the county.

“While statewide calls have increased by only 7 percent from 1987 through 2003,” said Cherie L. Duval, coalition president and CEO, “those in Ventura County have risen by 182 percent.”

For more information on DVRT and other coalition programs, call (805) 983-6014. For victims of domestic violence, call the coalition’s bilingual hotline at (800) 300-2181.