The Domestic Violence & Special Victims Section consists of attorneys, advocates, and support staff comprising three teams that perform specialized functions.

Domestic Violence Team

  • Represents survivors of intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in obtaining Civil Protection Orders (CPOs)
  • Prosecutes violations of CPOs.
  • Represents petitioners seeking Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.
  • Partners with other public and private agencies to staff the Domestic Violence Intake Center at D.C. Superior Court which serves as a single entry point for survivors of intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking legal protection.

Special Victims Team

  • Handles juvenile prosecutions of sex offenses, domestic violence, and any offense against vulnerable victims.
  • Handles adult prosecutions of indecent exposure.
  • Partners with the multi-disciplinary team responsible for HOPE Court – a specialty court designed to offer alternatives to juveniles charged with crimes who are at risk of being sexually exploited.
  • Provides victim specialists who offer victims of violent crime support throughout the court process and referrals for needed services.

Elder Abuse Team

  • Represents Adult Protective Services in obtaining guardians and conservators for incapacitated, vulnerable adults who are being abused, neglected, or exploited, or are self-neglecting.
  • Investigates and, through a Memorandum of Agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office, prosecutes financial exploitation of older or vulnerable adults.

Coordinated Community Response

The Domestic Violence & Special Victims Section participates in interagency efforts to coordinate and improve the city’s response to crime victims, including D.C. TROV (District’s Collaborative Training & Response for Older Victims); the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board; VAN (Victim Assistance Network); SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) and the Multi-Disciplinary Team for child sexual abuse.

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