October 09, 2015
Contributed Art/Gloucester Township Police
The Gloucester Township Police Department held a news conference announcing a comprehensive new domestic violence initiative.
The Gloucester Township Police Department announced Thursday a new initiative aimed at fighting domestic violence.
The program will include a specialized team of officers responsible for providing victim services, regular follow-ups with victims and their children, and conducting danger assessments to help predict future violence.
The project, Home Involved Violence Intervention Strategies (HIVIS), was developed as a result of research done by Rachel Hall, who worked as an intern with the department in summer 2013. Hall was critically injured after she was struck by a car in Philadelphia in April.
One of the primary aspects of the program is the impact of domestic violence on children. According to Gloucester police, children were present during 30 percent of domestic violence incidents in New Jersey in 2013. Therefore, Project HIVIS is designed to include measures aimed at the youth who are exposed to domestic violence.
Another key part of the program involves identifying victims who are at the highest risk and conducting follow-up activities to ensure their safety.
The Department encourages victims of domestic violence to call their local law enforcement agency. Victims may also call the Camden County Women's Center 24-hour hotline at (856) 227-1234.
Read more about Project HIVIS here.
