STATE OF IDAHO JUDICIAL BRANCH
Domestic Violence Courts

Welcome to the Idaho Domestic Violence Court Website

Idaho Domestic Violence Courts seek to improve the civil and criminal justice systems response to domestic violence by enhancing victim safety and offender accountability, and providing effective case management and coordination of information when families are involved in multiple cases. Idaho Domestic Violence Court Policies and Procedures were developed to articulate research-based best practices and identify essential elements for Domestic Violence Courts.

Here you will find information about the Domestic Violence Courts in Idaho, resources to assist those who manage and staff Idaho Domestic Violence Courts, and links to a wealth of additional web-based information, articles, & publications.

HELP IS AVAILABLE - LOVE SHOULDN'T HURT.

Idaho’s Domestic Violence Courts are Changing the Culture of Victim Safety and Offender Accountability

Domestic violence victims face many barriers to safety and independence. Incomprehensible and complex court processes should not be among these barriers. Domestic Violence Courts assign families with a criminal domestic violence case and a divorce, custody, or child protection case to a single judge. This practice ensures accurate information for judicial decisions; compatible, consistent court orders; and improved outcomes for families. A fast- track criminal case disposition is combined with ongoing judicial reviews. This process enhances victim and children safety while holding offenders accountable. Domestic Violence Courts hold offenders to a higher level of accountability by concentrating responsibility for defendant oversight in the hands of a single judge who can monitor compliance with court orders and program mandates. In addition, victims gain a greater voice in their cases and are better able to address critical family issues—such as safe visitation—that often impede safety and independence. Additionally, resources and referrals for victims are coordinated early in the court process.

The Domestic Violence Court Coordinator is fundamental to the effective operation of Domestic Violence Courts. Domestic Violence Court Coordinators identify gaps and barriers in services for victims, create services and treatment options for victims and offenders in rural areas, and facilitate the development of a coordinated community response to improve the handling of domestic violence cases within the justice system.

Currently Idaho has Domestic Violence Courts in 5 Judicial Districts. Learn more about each Domestic Violence Court model.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Family Violence Department and the Center for Court Innovation found that Idaho was the first state in the nation to adopt legislation authorizing the establishment of Domestic Violence Courts statewide. Not only is Idaho’s provision regarding statewide Domestic Violence Courts legislatively distinctive, the creation and legislative support of a Domestic Violence Court Coordinator is innovative and is currently the only such legislation in the country. 
 

Find out more about Idaho Legislation and Domestic Violence Courts

• Domestic Relations Coordinated Family Services Domestic Violence Courts
• Idaho Domestic Violence Crime Prevention Statutes 
• Idaho Crimes and Punishments Assault & Battery Statutes