WHEREAS, victims of domestic violence often need to seek safety from their abuser and relief from their living situation, and

WHEREAS, victims seek that support from government agencies, usually the police, in the form of orders of protection, and

WHEREAS, many of the court facilities and locations handling those protective orders are remote, in poor condition, uninviting and lack privacy for the victim, and

WHEREAS, these factors are often impediments to victims seeking orders of protection, and

WHEREAS, police departments and the justice system should take every reasonable action to encourage positive victim action; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police Victims Services Committee calls for the Office of Justice Programs and local police agencies to work collaboratively to improve the quality of those facilities in police departments, courthouses and prosecutor's offices; anywhere victims of domestic violence seek protection.