A visual demonstration of how SAVIN-NY works
/ photo: Brian Erb
SYRACUSE -- Onondaga County has a new high tech tool in its effort to combat domestic violence.
The county has joined 22 others in New York State which are participating in the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification Network- New York, otherwise known as the SAVIN-NY system.
The pilot program will allow victims of domestic violence who obtain orders of protection from Family Court to receive instant notification when those orders are served. Victims can receive those notifications through a special website, text messages, fax and automated phone calls.
Chief John Balloni of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department says victims of domestic violence are especially vulnerable immediately after his or her abuser is served with an order of protection. Balloni says the notification will allow victims to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from violent retaliations.
Jennifer Shaw, who works with victims at Vera House, says statistics show that violent attacks usually take place within 6 months after a victim breaks off a relationship and obtains an order of protection.
A recent tragedy near Milwaukee, Wisconsin serves as a glaring example of the problem. On Sunday, police say Radcliffe Haughton shot and killed his estranged wife and two others before taking his own life. Just days before the massacre, Haughton had been served with a restraining order to stay away from his wife after she told authorities that she feared for her life.
