Plymouth Police Honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Press release from the City of Plymouth:

October 5, 2020

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month – and the Plymouth Police Department is illuminating the entrance to the Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., with purple lights in recognition of the national initiative.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is aimed at bringing greater awareness to domestic violence and its effects on the community, especially women and children. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality.

“Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse,” said Plymouth Police Sergeant Jeff Dorfsman. “Plymouth is not immune and our police department responds to all allegations of domestic abuse with urgency.”

Plymouth Public Safety Director Mike Goldstein said it was important for the department to participate in the Purple Lights Initiative.

“Unfortunately, our officers see the effect of domestic abuse on individuals and families regularly,” said Goldstein. “We want those suffering from violence in their home to know they are not alone and help is available.”

Plymouth Police partner with Home Free on ‘Blueprint for Safety’ Program

Since 1980, the Plymouth Police Department has worked with Plymouth-based Home Free, which offers resources and emergency housing for women who have suffered domestic abuse. In 2016, the two organizations partnered to launch a comprehensive domestic violence victim advocacy program – the “Blueprint for Safety.”

Based on a national platform adopted by police departments across the country, the Blueprint for Safety program offers increased support for victims and helps bring justice to abusers.

"It's a more robust service offering to determine the best course for the victim – a systematic approach from the time the call is placed, to the time the court case is heard," said Goldstein. "It's about getting the best possible outcome for the victims."

As part of the program, Plymouth police officers receive expanded training regarding domestic violence abuse and abusers, including how to determine the lethality of a situation. After responding to a domestic assault incident, Plymouth police officers return within 24 hours to check on the victim. Officers make sure the victim is OK, re-examine and document injuries, and ensure that the abuser has not returned.

"We had the opportunity to step up and do something better," said Goldstein. "We can better prevent violent interactions from occurring within a home when the right people are working together."

For more information or to speak to an advocate about domestic violence, call the Home Free 24-hour crisis line at 763-559-4945.

This press release was produced by the City of Plymouth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.