Judge Richard Halloran Helps Develop Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court

In 2010, Judge Richard B. Halloran, a judicial professional working in the Family Division of the Wayne County Circuit Court, set out to recruit interns for the new Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court (SODVPC). This legal institution, was made possible through a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women, totaling $300,000, and a court within the Family Division of the Wayne County, Third Circuit Court.

The SODVPC introduces victims of domestic abuse to a special judicial process. It not only helps victims get personal protection orders but promotes victim safety through the availability of resources and specific solutions linked to domestic violence behaviors. Further, the SODVPC seeks to create community partnerships to advance a comprehensive approach to preventing domestic violence and holding abusers accountable for their actions.

Playing an active role in the SODVPC, Judge Halloran also presided over the separate Personal Protection Order docket for four years. In the past, he testified in front of the Michigan State Legislature to encourage the passage of laws criminalizing stalking and domestic abuse. He has coauthored literature on the matter of stalking in the Journal of Family Violence.