All clients receive the same services through the Winona Domestic Assault Project (WDAP), but each victim has a different success depending on the case. Each case starts with an arrest for a domestic assault related crime. The WDAP process involves contacting the victim to assess their needs and then informs them of the court process that will take place. Included in this process is talking about what will happen with their parent’s first appearance in court and their rights within the criminal justice system. The WDAP Administrator gathers information for the prosecution and informs the prosecutor of the victim’s wishes. The WDAP Administrator attends all hearing involved with each case and reports back to the victim what has happened in order to keep them informed of their continuing right and make sure their needs are met. The victim is informed of their right to be notified when their partner is released and to se up with the automated database VINE (Victims Information and Notification Everyday), and each victim also has the right to be assisted by a WRC advocate to complete and file and Order For Protection (ORP). In addition the courts, through the criminal case can issue a separate Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) to assist in the victim’s safety. Through each case, the WDAP Administrator, along with other staff advocates, are constant supports for each victim.
Client’s Story
This client first came to us in April, 2009 when her partner was arrested. Her partner was arrested for Felony Domestic Assault with the intent to cause fear. It was a felony since he had previous convictions for crimes of violence that enhanced this charge. A DANCO was issued as part of this case as well as an OFP sought by this victim. She obtained both protection orders. By June, she was confused and did not know what to do. The WDAP Administrator still had opportunities to speak with her at court, while her partner was meeting with this lawyer. The situation was not going well for her, and she didn’t know how to leave, so she dropped both orders. By August, another assault occurred, a new arrest had been made, a new felony charge of domestic assault was pursued by the courts, and another DANCO was issued. This was quickly followed by two more arrests for violating the DANCO at the felony level, as the victim reported violations for the order of the police because she was now finally ready to leave and was not going to take any more abuse to her or her child. The last arrest occurred in September 2009 when her partner was arrested on a probation violation after being charged with the preceding four felonies. He has been in jail ever since, has pled to the domestic assault against her, and has jest been sent to prison.
As we see in many of these cases, it takes victims time to leave and change their particular situation. Although she did return to her abuser during the time the WRC worked with her, she finally made the decision to be safe and eventually leave. She is now on her own, has applied for and is receiving disability and other assistance and is at a place where she feels she can make it on her own. After her ex-partner’s sentencing, she told WRC that she was so glad the WRC had been been with her through the ordeal. She said that court was hard for her to understand and she was glad she had someone to help explain everything each step of the way. She still has a long way to go and the WRC will continue to work with her as she moves forward- but she has come through a difficult year with many reasons to feel extremely successful.