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County to fund victim advocate to expand follow‑up in felony gone‑on‑arrival domestic violence cases
Summary
The board approved a joint powers agreement with the City of Minneapolis to fund one FTE domestic violence advocate in the Domestic Abuse Service Center to extend follow‑up and trauma‑informed services to felony level 'gone on arrival' cases.
The Law, Safety & Justice Committee approved on June 2 a joint powers agreement with the City of Minneapolis to fund one full‑time advocate position at the Domestic Abuse Service Center to provide follow‑up to felony 'gone on arrival' domestic violence reports.
Siri Lokensgard, director of the Domestic Abuse Service Center, explained the position’s role: victims will receive lethality assessment, safety planning, notification of case status and trauma‑informed supports in higher‑lethality cases that previously may not have received the Domestic Abuse Service Center advocate follow‑up. She said the role is intended to provide a streamlined victim‑centered system response and stronger victim input into law enforcement and prosecution decisions.
Commissioners framed the action as closing a gap where some jurisdictions rely on community‑based organizations and others on county advocates, and they asked for countywide information about how victim follow‑up is assigned across cities. The board approved the JPA by voice vote.
Ending: staff agreed to provide follow‑up information on countywide victim advocacy coverage by city and cross‑jurisdictional arrangements (including sheriff‑contracted cities) to help the board understand service gaps and funding disparities.
