Mesa now has a Domestic Violence Court in an effort to provide what it hopes will be a collaborative approach to promoting victim safety and reducing recidivism. The new court will have a specific judge, prosecutor, probation monitoring officer and program assistant to ensure coordination and continuity in domestic violence case management.
A 2018 report from the National Center for State Courts finds counseling alone is ineffective in reducing recidivism and promoting public safety. Instead, counseling is more effective as part of a coordinated community response, including a domestic violence docket to increase accountability and reduce risk for victims. The report also recommended specialized probation units to provide enhanced contact with victims and convicted persons.
Mesa City Council approved creation of the Domestic Violence Court earlier this year.