Domestic Violence Offender Follow-Up

The April 16, 2006 Couier-Journal reported the creation of a new District Court docket to monitor compliance with domestic violence offender treatment. Today's Courier editorial page rightly praised Judge Angela Bisig's pilot program, but inaccuratley referred to the court as a Domestic Violence Court. The Family Divisions of Circuit Court in Circuits where a Family Court exist have jurisdiction to enter Emergency Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Orders and may order treatment, including anger management. These orders are not criminal convictions. The violation of an EPO or DVO, however, is a crime. Once convicted it is District Court that imposes sentences, probation, supervision, etc. and this is the docket the pilot program refers to.