Domestic Abuse Response Team for Law Enforcement (DART II)

Law enforcement personnel are on the front line of the fight against domestic violence every day. It is for this reason that Laurel House developed the DART II program. Our goal is to provide trained advocates to assist law enforcement officers in response to incidents of domestic abuse and to provide support and aid to victims of domestic abuse at the scene of the abuse or local police station.

What is the DART II Program?

On January 1, 2005 Laurel House launched the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) for Law Enforcement. The DART program resulted from a collaborative effort between victim service agencies, law enforcement in the North Penn area and the local community as represented by the North Penn Community Action Taskforce (NPCAT). The DART II program has since partnered with many of Montgomery County police departments to assist officers who respond to domestic abuse calls. Through the DART II program, on-site response by a trained domestic violence advocate, whether at the home or at the police station, is available around the clock.

What can the DART II Program offer victims? 

• Support & advocacy to victim during investigation process
• Assistance in obtaining emergency shelter
• Assistance in obtaining a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order
• Assistance with child-related issues during investigation
• Emotional support at all court appearances
• Follow up services with the victim after the initial call to provide continued support
• Domestic violence education and safety planning
• Referrals to appropriate resources (i.e. housing,counseling, childcare issues)

What can the DART II Program offer law enforcement?

The DART II Coodinator is also available to work with local police departments to develop protocols on handling domestic violence cases. The Coordinator also works with the District Attorney's office, and other service providers, to deliver comprehensive training programs for law enforcement entities throughout Montgomery County.

Police departments who are interested in learning more about this program may call the DART II Coordinator at 610-277-1860 ext. 108.