Are judges using basic, fundamental practices in domestic violence courtrooms? Simple practices that improve case outcomes for victims? Only 53% of the time, finds our new study. Many simple, no-cost practices, that are very important
Who is filing protective orders in Montgomery County Maryland? How many residents actually get lasting protection? Court Watch's new report, "A closer look at protective orders in Montgomery County," shows that only about 37% of
Wouldn't it be great if every new judge in Montgomery County took a tour of our county to better understand the scope of local social problems that will spill into their courtrooms and the services
If you're interested in reading about how Court Watch began, check out Steve Robert's column in the March/April 2018 edition of Bethesda Magazine, On Her Watch. When Court Watch first monitored protective order cases
The Safe Passage Center is now open for both monitored child exchanges and supervised visits for families experiencing domestic violence. The Center can reduce stress for the entire family by providing a healing environment.
Recently we've been spending some time interviewing domestic violence survivors who want to talk about their experiences in court. Some came to court to obtain a protective order, others to give testimony in a
Samantha Bee took a hard look last night at domestic violence and guns - and she used Court Watch's "Abusers with Guns" study to highlight the critical role judges play. We're about 3 min, 50
A District Court judge recently became irritated during a temporary protective order hearing and accused a traumatized petitioner of lying. In her petition, Bridget [name changed] told a credible and all-too-common story: "He was drunk
It's the law. When a final protective order is issued in Maryland, all respondents must turn in any guns they possess to the Sheriff's Office for the duration of the order. The rate at which
Court Watch recently contributed to the County's campaign to place ads on MoCo County buses and in bus shelters reaching out to anyone suffering from domestic violence. The ads ask "Are you afraid of your