Universal Response to
Domestic Violence

The URDV Coordinator trains police officers in the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), which is an evidence-based set of questions used at the scene of a domestic violence call. Officers ask these questions to identify victims who may be in serious danger of being seriously injured or killed by their partner. If a victim’s responses show that they are in danger, they are immediately connected with a Family Services advocate who can help with safety planning, crisis support, and access to other community resources.

The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) partners work together to connect survivors of domestic violence with services and support, which may include safety planning, advocacy, legal assistance, counseling, housing, and other resources. By coordinating across different agencies, DART helps make it easier for victims to get timely support. DART advocates from Family Services are located in the City of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon, Town of Poughkeepsie, and Hyde Park Police Departments.

The High Risk Team (HRT) features a group of professionals from multiple fields who work together on Dutchess County’s most dangerous domestic violence cases. The team reviews cases where there is a high risk of serious injury or death, and creates coordinated plans that prioritize victim safety while holding offenders accountable. Through this network, they can easily share information and collaborate to prevent future violence and support survivors.

The Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) Initiative is a New York State program designed to combat domestic violence by bringing together law enforcement, courts, probation, and victim services agencies to create a coordinated, trauma-informed response to intimate partner abuse.