In 2017, YPD Officers responded to 2,000 incidents of domestic violence (DV) and DV crimes were 31% of the City prosecutor caseload.  These numbers are much higher than other similar sized communities in Washington.  Each incident receives a response from many Departments within the City of Yakima; from 911 call takers to the probation officers, each responder is striving to offer the best service.

The Duluth Model, an evidence based response to DV, finds that a Coordinated Community Response offers the most effective response. The foundation of a Coordinated Community Response is a workgroup team comprised of the different responders within the City.  This workgroup will develop a mission, shared goals and a transparent process or response to DV based on best practice models around the country.  The recently budgeted Domestic Violence Advocate position provides a staffing opportunity to organize a Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT).

This Council item would direct and authorize the formation of a Coordinated Community Response Team.