Special to Iredell Free News

The Mooresville Police Department has been awarded a three-year grant in the amount of $480,964 for improving criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

This grant will provide funding for a second Special Victims detective at the Mooresville Police Department, in addition to a full-time Victim Advocate at My Sister’s House.

The Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program enhances victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by encouraging jurisdictions to work collaboratively with community partners to identify problems and share ideas that will result in effective responses to these crimes.

The Town of Mooresville, in collaboration with My Sister’s House, will use this award to enhance community coordinated response (CCR).

Specifically, this project will:

♦ Support a Special Victims Detective to investigate intimate partner violence cases;
♦ Support a victim advocate;
♦ Implement a data collection, analysis tracking and sharing process for CCR partners; and
♦ Implement a comprehensive CCR protocol regarding sexual assault investigation and follow-up steps.

“Local data shows that domestic violence is the most frequently reported violent crime, yet studies also show that it occurs at least five times before the victim first notifies the police,” said Detective Dan Miglin. “The positions supported by this grant will provide a holistic response to crime and victimization and will strengthen community partnerships related to domestic violence and sexual assault.”

The Special Victims Detectives and Community Resource Coordinator will work together to hold more offenders accountable for their actions while efficiently connecting victims to available resources to improve their safety and well-being.