Addressing Intimate Partner Violence as Part of a Pretrial Community Supervision Program

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Revised Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) charges became newly eligible for New York City’s pretrial Supervised Release Program (SRP) in December 2019. By March 2022, more than 3,000 individuals arraigned on IPV charges in three NYC counties were released to the bail alternative program, making up approximately 30% of all new participants. In response, program staff received IPV-related training, and a nationally recognized, evidence-based curriculum was adapted for use in the pretrial setting, resulting in a free, three-hour IPV class offering an overview of basic power and control dynamics to eligible SRP participants. This study aims to (1) calculate the prevalence of pretrial IPV class mandates among eligible SRP participants, and among mandated participants, associated class completion rates, (2) identify needs and examine barriers to completion, and (3) describe clinical approaches to pretrial supervision of participants facing IPV charges. Findings show that 35% of eligible participants were mandated to the IPV class since December 2019; by March 2022, about half had completed. Descriptive analysis of program data identifies potential unmet needs among participants. Staff surveys and focus groups were also conducted to examine supervision practices and further explore possible factors associated with class completion from the perspective of program staff.

Authors

• Stephanie Antoinetti, Center for Court Innovation

• Madison Volpe, Center for Court Innovation