Domestic Violence Court opens

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - The official opening of the City of Newburgh Domestic Violence Court took place last Tuesday at a ceremony attended by federal, state and local officials, including Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Judy Harris Kluger.
The specialized Court, which is a division of the Newburgh City Court, will have a single presiding judge handle all stages of a domestic violence case, as well as a dedicated prosecution team from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and victim advocates from Safe Homes. The Honorable B. Harold Ramsey will be the presiding Judge for the Domestic Violence Court. He noted how important it is to have a single judge, who is familiar with the facts and the people involved in a case, including victims, advocates and social service agencies, to hear the case from the beginning to its conclusion.

“We are a work in progress,” Ramsey said, referring to the fact the specialized court is new, but emphasizing that, “domestic violence is not acceptable,” and “cannot be tolerated.”
Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips pointed out that specialized courts have had a positive impact on the communities they serve. Operation Impact was one example Phillips gave as an alternative to what’s on the street, which the City Court has played a pivitol role.
“I know it [Domestic Violence Court] will be successful,” Phillips said, promising, “we will do everything we can to support you.”
The Honorable Nick Valentine, Mayor of the City of Newburgh, announced the City Council had just approved the time-line for the construction of the new City Courthouse on the corner of Broadway and 9W. That will be the location of the specialized court when it is complete. “This is another step forward in Newburgh’s revitalization,” Valentine said.

Michele McKeon, Executive Director of Safe Homes was also present at the grand opening ceremony. McKeon at the recent annual celebration of Hope Dinner, issued a challenge. “I challenge each of you to help us eliminate domestic violence; help us strengthen the safety net for women and children. We must each do our part; working together we will make a difference; we will make women safer; we will save lives. Then, and only then, will each home be a safe home.” The opening of the court is one more step to eliminating domestic violence.

The Court will serve as a hub for interagency collaboration and information exchange among numerous criminal justice and social service agencies, including the Newburgh Police Department, Orange County Probation Department and the Batterers Intervention Program.

Pictured Above: Orange County Department of Social Services Commisioner David Jolly, Safe Homes Executive Director Michele McKeon, City of Newburgh Mayor Nick Valentine, Domestic Violence Court Presiding Judge B. Harold Ramsey.