What is DART?

The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is an on-call, 24 hours a day, 7days a week program that partners with local police departments and health care professionals by responding to the scene of the incident, and/or at police departments and hospital emergency rooms. This immediate response includes crisis counseling, safety planning, resource referrals, assistance with the Protection from Abuse Order process and follow up services. The DART program is managed by Stacy Sweinhart. Stacy will be assisted by DART Advocate, Ashley Thompson, as well as a by a team of highly trained volunteers.

History of DART:

Since our inception over 30 years ago, Laurel House has continuously grown and expanded services, ultimately resulting in the comprehensive domestic violence agency that we are today. Our Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) program for law enforcement is one of our largest growing programs, having started in collaboration with just 5 police departments; it has expanded to over 42 departments. During a time when requests for services are increasing and our funding is remaining level we must look at all ways in which, we as an organization can make the biggest impact with the least resources.  As a result, we have decided to combine our DART Medical Advocacy Project (MAP) and DART II for Law Enforcement. Despite being run separately, both programs offered immediate crisis response to victims of domestic violence. The main difference between the two programs was the referring source: DART MAP worked with health care professionals; while DART II worked with law enforcement officers. Effective immediately Laurel House’s DART program will provide trained advocates to provide immediate, in-person response to victims of domestic violence when referred by law enforcement OR medical personnel.

What can the DART program offer victims?

• Support & advocacy to victims of domestic violence
• Assistance in obtaining emergency shelter
• Assistance in obtaining a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order
• Emotional support at all court appearances
• Follow up services with after the initial call to provide continued support
• Liasion between victim and police department, District Attorney's Office, etc...
• Domestic violence education and safety planning
• Referrals to appropriate resources (i.e. housing,counseling, childcare issues)

What can the DART Program offer law enforcement and medical professionals?

Recognizing that law enforcement and health care professionals are often the first point of contact for domestic violence, Laurel House started the DART program.

DART staff are available to work with local police departments and healthcare professionals on how to develop protocols and procedures regarding domestic violence cases. Our team also works closely with the District Attorney's office, and other service providers, to deliver comprehensive training programs for law enforcement and health care professionals throughout Montgomery County.

Police departments and health care professionals who are interested in learning more about this program may contact, Stacy Sweinhart, the DART Manager via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 610-277-1860 ext. 108.