City Unveils new Domestic Violence Response Program

Dec. 15, 2022

Together with a network of partners, the City is working to support victims of domestic violence and taking important steps to preventing and reducing the scourge of domestic violence in our community. Today City leaders, resource providers, and advocates came together to raise awareness about domestic violence during the holidays, and unveil the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) at the Albuquerque Police Department.  

Domestic violence can include psychological, financial, emotional, verbal, or physical abuse. The national crisis hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and SAFE House’s local hotline is (505) 247- 4219. If you or a loved one is in imminent danger, call 911.

“Unfortunately, we’ve already felt how tragic the holiday season can for those living in dangerous situations. We’re working to reduce domestic violence in our community long-term, but it’s important that we do everything we can to get folks the resources they need,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Everyone deserves to be safe in their own home. We’ll continue to support the service providers who are working so hard right now to meet the needs of our community and prevent further tragedy.”

Under the administration, APD has bolstered its support for victims and its response to domestic violence cases. APD created the Victims Assistance Unit in 2021 and has since expanded to nine professionals who connect victims and their families to critical resources. APD will soon be training 20 officers as part of the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART). The training and tools will allow officers to immediately connect victims to resources without any drop-off or lag time. The department is also working to protect people at risk by supporting preventative detention for domestic violence cases, which will keep dangerous offenders behind bars.

“We are working smarter by devoting more resources and training to officers who are responding to domestic violence calls,” said Chief Harold Medina. “This approach allows us to better serve survivors of domestic violence and those who are at risk.”

”We’re committed to improving coordination between City departments and community agencies, and championing effective changes to city and state policies so that we can fill gaps in domestic violence and sexual assault services,” said Isez Roybal, Coordinator of Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence Prevention. “We’ll continue to turn to the community to inform and guide our work to reduce domestic violence in our city.”

“Domestic and sexual violence impact millions of people each year. We need everyone to ask themselves what they can do to stop domestic violence or help someone in need,” said Beverly McMillan, Manager of the Family Advocacy Center. “We can all make an impact by being caring and consistent, talking to loved ones about domestic violence, creating cultures of consent, and educating ourselves about more ways to get involved.”

The Keller administration is committed to reducing domestic violence. The City created the Domestic Violence Task Force in 2019, designated a permanent Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence Prevention Coordinator at the City, and are establishing a permanent Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission. The administration also allocated $100,000 in the FY23 budget for motel vouchers to support victims of domestic violence.