About Us
Kent County DV CCRT:
Rosalynn Bliss, Chair
St. John's HomeMeghan Kirby, Secretary
Kent County Prosecutor's OfficeJennifer Marcum, Treasurer
Safe Haven Ministries
The Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response Team (DV CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team of local professionals who work in the field of domestic violence prevention, domestic violence intervention, law, education, faith community and health care. Participation in this group is open to any community member.
What is the mission of the DV CCRT?
To cooperate, coordinate, and collaborate on all community levels and efforts to eliminate domestic violence.
Who are the members of the CCRT?
The Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response Team (DV CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team of local professionals who are committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and playing an active role in the prevention of domestic violence. Members consist of individuals from the following agencies: Dwelling Place Inc., Department of Human Services, Fountain Hill Center for Counseling, Grand Rapids Police Department, Healthy Kent 2010, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Kent County Medical Society, Kent County Prosecutor's Office, Kent County Sheriff Department, Kentwood Police Department, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Men's Resource Center, Safe Haven Ministries, YWCA of Grand Rapids, 61st District Court.
Why do we exist?
The CCRT is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence, improving services to victims, providing domestic violence training and education, and encouraging the community to play an active role in the prevention of domestic violence.
When do we meet?
The fourth Thursday of each month from noon to 1:30pm at the Kent County Courthouse in the 5th floor conference room. Meetings are open to the public.
Who do I contact for more information?
Rosalynn Bliss at 454.4673, ext. 129 or by email to .
Why should you get involved?
Domestic violence cannot be solved by one person or one agency alone. Success is defined through a team approach that includes members from the community working together to address this epidemic. The DV CCRT creates a space that allows for open discussion of difficult cases, problem solving to better serve victims, discuss more effective and accountable services for perpetrators, collaboration among agencies, creation of sub-committees to address particular concerns, and discuss ideas on how to increase awareness of domestic violence and it's devastating effects on our community.
Projects that the CCRT will be working on during the next few years include:
2005:
- Update and print the Spanish version of the Healing Path
- Sponsor a training for law enforcement and court personnel, co-sponsor a day long workshop with Nationally known expert and author Lundy Bancroft
- Sponsor a media training for all members of the CCRT
- Create domestic violence media packets
- Sponsor a lunch and learn panel discussion for individuals from the media
- Create and maintain a DV CCRT web-site which can be used as a resource for the community
2006:
- Create a public awareness campaign that targets men
- Update and print copies of the Healing Path in English
- Sponsor an annual CCRT conference
2007:
- Develop a domestic violence prevention effort within schools
- Update and print copies of the Healing Path in Spanish
- Sponsor an annual CCRT conference for teachers and school personnel
