BEMIDJI -- Beltrami County’s Domestic Violence Court has been chosen to become a national mentor court by the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to a news release, the specialty court is one of seven courts that will help other communities across the country implement or improve similar programs, or enhance their current responses to domestic violence cases.
Founded in 2013, Beltrami County’s Domestic Violence Court aims to help rehabilitate perpetrators of domestic abuse. Defendants who meet certain criteria appear in front of a judge, who often requires them to attend classes and seek therapy and comply with other conditions.
Since its inception, the court has heard more than 800 cases. More than 200 people have completed a state-mandated education program for people convicted of domestic violence.
