Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART)

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In Los Angeles, law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, have joined forces to address complaints about antiquated laws that limit action by both survivors and police, and are often blamed for why survivors have a hard time finding safety and justice. Known as the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), their mission is to provide immediate crisis intervention and follow-up services to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Good Shepherd Shelter (GSS) is pleased to be a partner with the City of Los Angeles’ DART program.

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Each team of two-a law enforcement officer and a specially trained advocate from GSS-responds to domestic violence calls to provide crisis intervention, emotional support and advocacy. They also:

• Inform the survivor about his or her rights and options
• Perform the preliminary investigation
• Make arrests when the law allows
• Provide and assist with emergency protective orders
• Go to court with the survivor if needed
• Help with shelter placement
• Offer resource information

GSS will be with law enforcement from the moment the calls come in to 911. The police officers make a preliminary assessment and then then offer the GSS advocate services.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and want to get involved, you can also volunteer as a counselor/advocate for DART. You need to be at least 18 years old and willing to meet the following requirements:

• Give a one-year commitment, beginning at the conclusion of the training course
• Complete GSS’s domestic violence volunteer training
• Pass a LAPD background check
• Have a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance coverage
• Volunteer one night, every week for a 6-hour shift between 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. (i.e. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. OR 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
• Attend monthly in-service meetings
• Pay a $100 processing fee

No experience is required. The counselor/advocate domestic violence state-certified training includes lectures, activities and interactive discussions. You’ll be trained by multi-disciplinary professionals, experienced volunteers, survivors and GSS staff to ensure you learn everything you need to know.