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Domestic violence weighs on city caseload

Idaho Falls City Council authorized an application for a victim witness program grant Monday. The grant will provide the city with a Victim Witness Coordinator as part of the Violence Against Women Act.

Six percent of all misdemeanor cases handled by city officials are related to domestic violence. City lawyers said more than 60 percent of their time is spent on these cases.

“We do the best we can, but we feel like we could spend some extra time to make sure we’re developing our cases correctly and we’re able to interact with victims of crimes,” said City Attorney Randy Fife. “Moving those services to a victim witness coordinator, the prosecutors and supporting staff can focus on things the things they do best.”

The victim witness coordination will be responsible for making initial and continuing contact with victims of crime; advising victims of their statutory rights and available services. Services will include support from the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. The grant will provide funding for the position over a three year span, after this period the city will have to absorb salary costs.

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