Stearns Co. domestic abuse court held up as national example

Cases of domestic violence have long been among the most challenging for the criminal justice system to manage. Convicted abusers often go on to carry out even more violence. In domestic abuse the involvement of the victim can make or break a prosecution, leaving them and any children involved vulnerable to continued abuse.

However, Stearns County's domestic abuse court has found a way to stop that cycle of violence, and is being nationally recognized for its groundbreaking approach.

The Justice Department's Office on Violence Against Women designated the court as a "mentor court" this fall. The county will receive grant money to train other locations over the next two years to develop similar programs.

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said that the program's focus on holding repeat offenders responsible through constant surveillance and strict accountability has been its most successful feature, for the county and for victims of domestic violence.

Stearns County staff will travel to Washington, D.C. for orientation next month, and will then begin training other jurisdictions.