Kent County Launches New Domestic Violence Specialty Courts in Grand Rapids and Kentwood to Support Victims and Reform Offenders

Seeking to address the alarming increase in domestic violence cases, Kent County has initiated a dedicated effort through the establishment of the new Domestic Violence Specialty Court. Set to begin referrals on July 29, the program aims to provide enhanced support for victims and to enact a transformative change in the behavior of offenders. "While these courts take more time and energy and money to get going in the long run, the community, the victims and even the perpetrators, are far better served by these processes," Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek commented, as reported by WZZM 13.

These two specialized courts, one in Grand Rapids and the other in Kentwood, will be handled by Judge Jennifer Faber and Judge Amanda Sterkenburg respectively. They are designed to work within and contribute to, the broader initiatives of the Domestic Violence Action Network (DVAN), aimed at reducing the fatal domestic incidents that have been on the rise within the community. The Kent County Prosecutor's Office spearheads the initiative, with Prosecuting Attorney Chris Becker stating, "Our goal with the Domestic Violence Specialty Court is to enact transformational change by holding offenders accountable through intensive programs and supervision aimed at changing behavior patterns," as per an article by WWMT.

According to a report by WOODTV, the courts will implement an intensive 52-week intervention program focusing on the underlying factors of domestic violence. Offenders will be required to meet with counselors and therapists while being closely monitored. "If we’re able to start saving lives, the court will more than pay for itself," said Katie Hall, whose personal tragedy of losing her son to a domestic violence incident fueled the formation of the DVAN task force.

The integration of this program is seen as a critical step in breaking the cycle of abuse in families. Offenders will undergo evaluations for substance abuse and mental health issues before commencing the 52-week "Batterer Intervention Program," a regime that demands compliance under the vigilance of the presiding judges. Survivors, on the other hand, will have access to support services, potentially including financial assistance for housing or childcare. "It’s not just physical abuse. Post-separation abuse is a real thing," Hall told WOODTV.

Funding for the courts, which will operate through the end of 2026, was secured through a $4 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), selected from hundreds of proposals reviewed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Beyond 2026, efforts are already underway to ensure the continuation of the court's operations and services. Those interested in learning more about the program or getting involved can reach out to DVAN at [email protected].