Broome County Launches Domestic Violence Education Panel for Safer Communities

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti has taken a stance on tackling domestic violence and promoting safer communities with the introduction of the Domestic Violence Education Panel.

Collaborating with the Broome County Department of Probation and the Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc., the Domestic Violence Education Panel aims to enhance offender accountability in cases of intimate partner violence.

The Family Violence Prevention Council, working in conjunction with key stakeholders, has identified the need for promoting offender accountability in addressing domestic violence within the community. Kristin Beylo, Coordinator of the Family Violence Prevention Council, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Crime Victims Assistance Center and the district attorney's office in establishing the offender panel, emphasizing its role in prioritizing victim safety and holding offenders responsible for their actions.

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The educational panel will be incorporated into dispositions for low-level domestic violence offenses in criminal court settings. It will provide education, support, and resources to individuals who have been involved in such offenses. Participants will gain insights into the dynamics of abuse, its impact on victims and the community, the importance of compliance with protection orders, and the resources available to support individuals in need.

Christine Battisti, Chief Executive Officer of the Crime Victims Assistance Center, underscored the significance of offering education to low-level offenders to enhance their understanding of the repercussions of their actions on victims and the community. The 1.5-hour panel sessions will commence at the Broome County Sheriff Administration Building on March 21, 2024, and will be held monthly.

Participation in the panel will be a mandatory component of criminal court dispositions, with monitoring aimed at implementing progressive sentencing for individuals who display further criminal behavior.

By introducing offender education in cases of domestic violence, the initiative seeks to break the cycle of abuse, enhance community safety, promote accountability, and foster a better quality of life for all. District Attorney Paul Battisti emphasized the importance of educating individuals about domestic violence and empowering them with non-violent alternatives to reduce recurring offenses and ensure the safety of the community in the future.