Domestic violence program to help coordinate agencies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Domestic violence affects thousands of families in the Chicago area and city leaders are now expanding a pilot program to help police, prosecutors and social service agencies coordinate they work in dealing with the problem.

Months before the Ray Rice video, Chicago Police were already focusing on domestic violence. A Northwest Side pilot program that helps officers deal with victims in a more helpful way is being expanded to a police district on the South Side.

When Chicago Police answer a domestic violence call, specifically in the Logan Square neighborhood, victims are likely to get a more sensitive officer at their door.

"We have seen a much better response from victims because they're more comfortable with police officers because officers are doing things in a better way," said Captain Marc Buslik, Chicago Police Department.

For the past few months, 14th District police officers have been part of a pilot program that involves a coordinated effort between the police department, States Attorney's office and service providers to help victims. New police training includes spending more time with the victim, developing empathy, collecting more evidence and providing victims with services.

"We've identified families who need extra attention and extra support and we are able to give it to them from first call all the way to the court process," said Evelyn Diaz, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.

Kathy Doherty with Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network calls it night and day compared to the way police officers used to handle domestic violence calls.

"I think the whole problem before was officers were responding, but didn't know what to do to make the situation better, so victims were not being responded to in a helpful manner," she said.

The pilot program has resulted in more calls to the domestic violence hotline and the willingness of victims to follow through with criminal charges.

"The one metric we have seen is an increase in arrests because they feel more comfortable cooperating not just with CPD, but with criminal justice system ," Buslik said.

Police encourage more victims to call the domestic violence hot line at 877-863-6338.

The pilot program will expand to the 3rd Police District on the South Side, where the call volume is heavier. The hope is to perfect the program, so it can be expanded to other districts.