Abusive relationships account for 26% of all murdered women. Leaving an abusive relationship increases a woman's risk of death by 75% than those who stay. For womed who make the difficult decision to leave a telationship and file a charge against their spouse, partner or intimate, the only protection during the domestic or criminal justice proceedings are court protection orders. Although these orders mandate restrictions, there is no monitoring for offender compliance and little or no contact with the victim unless a violation is reported, which in some cases may be too late.

The Victim Protection Program epuipment works in tandem with home arrest and ankle transmitters that are worn by all offenders who are under indictment, are subsequently released on bond and/or court supervised release through pretrial release in conjunction with electronic detention supervision. Electronic Detention staff is certified law enforcement officers that are versed and provided with extensive training in various criminal, domestic violence, anger management and victim issues. The dedicated positions of the Richland County Victim Protection Program are comprised of experienced officers and members of this staff who have worked with victims on the current pilot project.

Offenders are required to be placed on electronic detention (home arrest) as a condition of bond or court supervised release (Pretrial Release). This requires that the offender wear a wrist/ankle transmitter during the entire period of release.

Referral and Assessment: Women victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes of violence are currently assessed by the Mansfield Municipal Victim Services Officer and Richland County Prosecutor's Victim/Witness Program for referral or whose situation has changed and now feels in danger of ongoing harassment or escalation of threats may themselves request victim protection services.

Enrollment and development of a Victim Protection Plan:

• All information surrounding the offense involved and identifies the potential threat area that must be avoided and monitored by the program.
• The type and use of particular victim monitoring equipment will be selected based on the victim's residence, work schedule and family situation.
• The victim will be shown the working parameters and proper use of the equipment so they can develop a realistic sense of security.
• Additional services may be referred (e.g. housing, counseling, social services).

Victim Protection Monitoring Elements: The residence, school and/or employment locations of victims enrolled in VPP are electronically monitored on a 24/7 basis with a direct connection to the area 9-1-1 Dispatch, the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction and the electronic detention staff.

The Victim Protection Program has to date served mostly adult women victims (65%) who are victims of violent crime. The specific types of offenses are as follows:

• Domestic Violence......35%
• Assault...........................10%
• Stalking/Intimidation....20%
• Rape/GSI (minors).......35%