Using federal grant money, in 1997 the City of Tonawanda Police
Department began it's Domestic violence program called POWER to S.T.O.P.
Domestic Violence. When planning this program we realized that pro-arrest
alone was not sufficient in terms of stopping family violence. Victims often
times need help from advocacy groups, assistance with the court experiences,
and the strict enforcement of Orders of Protection so to increase their
chances of escaping the violence and remaining safe
Our POWER to S.T.O.P. Domestic Violence program provided aggressive law
enforcement in a collaborative effort with civilian advocacy, referral and
court accompaniment. Every domestic violence case receives follow-up. One of
five specially trained officers along with a civilian counselor offers to
work with the victim to help devise a safety plan The plan may include
providing emergency shelter, court accompaniment, assistance in obtaining
court orders of protection, order of protection compliance monitoring,
referral and linkages to a network of care giving agencies, help arranging
child care when attending court proceedings, and investigation and
prosecution of additional offenses.
For More information on POWER to S.T.O.P. contact:
Detective Joseph Scarpena
@ 716-692-2102
Crisis Services Message
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