Durham's New Integrated Domestic Violence Response System

DURHAM, N.C. - Oct. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- The Durham Department of Social Services' Director Michael Becketts has announced the receipt of a federal grant that will bring education and training for first responders, along with intensive therapy services for victims of domestic violence. Durham's DSS is working in collaboration with the Exchange Family Center, Duke Center for Child and Family Health, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, and the Durham Crisis Response Center to implement this innovative program.

The application for this grant was submitted with the full support of the Durham Police Department, Durham County Emergency Management Services, and the Durham Directors (a committee of public human services administrators). The grant has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Families and Children. This 2-year demonstration project will provide classroom training for first responders. Durham's law enforcement, paramedics, firemen and child protective services social workers will be taught a method to assess for domestic violence. Additionally these first responders will be provided with an understanding of available community based services available to adult survivors of domestic violence and their children. The first year of the grant provides $375,000 in support; subsequent years will provide between $375,000 and $500,000 of support each year.

The sobering statistics of children living with domestic violence tell the story of what educators experience and what the crowded juvenile courtrooms know, children are:

• 6 times more likely to commit suicide

• 50% more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol

• 74% more likely to commit a violent crime

• Chronically truant

• Frequently intimidating or controlling other students/teachers

• Having difficulty focusing on tasks in the classroom

"We know, that if we are educating more people about domestic violence and providing more effective trauma-informed treatment strategies, then we have the opportunity to create better future outcomes for our children. The ultimate goal of this federal grant is to improve the lives of children and their families in Durham. We're looking forward to making that happen, and are especially pleased to receive the award during Domestic Violence Month", states Becketts.

About Durham Department of Social Services: In nearly a century of service to the Durham community, our mission continues to be to partner with individuals, families and the community to help our residents achieve physical, social and financial well-being .http://www.dconc.gov/DSS