Springfield officials outline coordinated response to domestic violence, cite barriers for survivors

Springfield City Commission work-session presenters described how local law enforcement, prosecutors and community advocates are coordinating to investigate and prosecute domestic violence while trying to reduce burdens on survivors and reach marginalized communities.

Sergeant Denise Jones of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Erin McNenny, chief prosecutor for the City of Springfield, Rebecca Sedat, a prosecutor handling felony domestic-violence-related cases, and Lauren Dennis, a supervisor advocate, told commissioners that the criminal-justice system’s structure and survivors’ life circumstances often make participation difficult and that agencies are adapting practices to address that reality.

Jones said domestic violence differs from other crimes because the victim and offender commonly share finances, a household or children, and because offenders often “start grooming that victim.” She said the sheriff’s office began a program in 2017 after receiving a grant through the International Association of Chiefs of Police and now works closely with Project Woman, a community-based advocacy organization that provides privileged, confidential advocacy for survivors.

"We hyper focus on putting a lot of the onus on victims," Jones said,…