Left to right: Amy Hernandez, Sammie Srila, Judge Barbara Finlinson, Justice Sharon, A. Bourne-Clarke, Judge Danalee Welch-O'Donnal and Melisse Stiglich. Photo by Cory Provost
Under the leadership of Justice Sharon A. Bourne-Clarke, the Kings County Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court continues to be a model of how the court system can work in concert with social services, law enforcement and community organizations to address the complex nature of domestic violence.
On March 31, 2025, Chief Counsel on Gender and Family Violence of the Office of Justice Initiatives at the NYS Office of Court Administration Lisa C. Smith, Esq., coordinated a day of observations at the IDV Court for Judge Danalee Welch-O’Donnal from Grand County, Utah; Judge Barbara Finlinson from Juab County, Utah; Court Administrator Melisse Stiglich and Deputy Court Administrator Sammie Srila from Sandy City, Utah; and Domestic Violence Program Manager for the Administrative Office of the Courts Amy Hernandez.
The court — a leader in addressing domestic violence cases through a collaborative, multi-faceted approach — was designated a National Mentor Court by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in 2013. This recognition highlights its significant role in pioneering practices that support victims, hold defendants accountable and streamline the judicial process in ways that serve both the victims and the community more effectively.
The court’s approach is unique because it consolidates multiple legal cases related to the same family or individual into one court, addressing criminal, family and matrimonial cases simultaneously. This approach eliminates the need for litigants to repeatedly navigate different courtrooms and face the emotional and logistical challenges of dealing with multiple proceedings. Instead, victims and families are treated holistically, with all aspects of their situation considered in one forum under the concept of “one court, one judge.”
The Kings County IDV Court was established in 2006 with the understanding that domestic violence cases are often complex, involving both legal and social issues that cannot be adequately addressed in the traditional court system. By uniting different types of cases — criminal charges, custody, and visitation disputes, among others — the court helps to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the comprehensive support they need. This approach reduces the trauma experienced by victims and ensures that their needs, from safety to counseling and more, are prioritized throughout the legal process.
One of the core principles of the IDV Court is the idea of accountability. Perpetrators of domestic violence are not only held legally accountable for their actions but are also provided with opportunities for intervention and rehabilitation. The court works with a variety of partners, including probation officers, social workers and treatment providers, to offer perpetrators counseling and education on the impacts of their behavior. This rehabilitative focus is designed to break the cycle of violence and prevent future incidents, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of families.
The significance of the Kings County IDV Court extends beyond its immediate community. The court’s innovative approach has influenced other jurisdictions in New York State and across the country, showing the importance of a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing domestic violence. Its model has proven that when the court system, social services and law enforcement agencies work together, they can provide better outcomes for both victims and perpetrators, breaking the cycle of violence and promoting healing for families.
As a National Mentor Court, it provides guidance to other jurisdictions seeking to implement or improve their own IDV Court programs, becoming a resource for communities aiming to provide better outcomes for victims of domestic violence.
The Kings County IDV Court’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the justice system, and its continued role as a National Mentor Court ensures that its valuable lessons will be shared with communities across the nation.
