Duncan Recommends $150,000 To Fund Domestic Violence Coordinator

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Ma/domviolencefunding.pr 00-179

Contact: David Weaver, 240-777-6530
For Immediate Release: April 25, 2000

Duncan Recommends $150,000 To Fund
Domestic Violence Coordinator

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today announced that he is recommending $150,000 in additional funding in his Fiscal Year 2001 budget to create a senior-level Domestic Violence Coordinator in the Sheriff's Department to oversee services for victims of domestic abuse in Montgomery County. If approved by the Council, the position will be funded beginning in July.

"With several agencies sharing responsibility for service delivery to victims and to batterers, it is clear that coordination among the Department of Police, the Sheriff's Department, the State's Attorney's Office and the Department of Health and Human Services is crucial," said Duncan. "Domestic violence is a very serious issue and having a full-time coordinator will enable Montgomery County to better serve its residents."

In addition, the Executive announced he will work with the state legislature to change current law to make it possible for victims of domestic violence to obtain emergency restraining orders 24-hours a day. Currently, protective orders are only issued during daytime business hours.

Duncan's Recommended Budget for FY01 contains other domestic violence initiatives, including:

$199,000 for four new positions in the Sheriff's Department to expand the department's ability to serve domestic violence court orders.

$203,000 for three new positions in the Police Department--one sergeant and one police officer to work on domestic violence issues and a victim-witness coordinator.

$60,000 in the Department of Health and Human Services for operating costs at the newly-opened Betty Ann Krahnke Center.

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