Editorial: New steps could help spousal abuse victims

Sunday, Jan. 31, 1999 | 9:49 a.m.

Sometimes it is the little changes made in a bureaucracy that can make a world of difference. Such is the case with new procedures implemented by Family Court that should speed the time it takes to issue a temporary protective order, which frequently is issued when there are allegations of domestic violence.

Patricia Doninger, the domestic violence commissioner at Family Court, initiated the process, which includes a special window at the county clerk's office for filing domestic violence cases and other streamlined procedures that get these cases before a judge in the shortest time possible.

As the Sun reported last week, sometimes it can take days for judges or hearing masters to issue these orders. That situation leaves battered or worried spouses without the protection of a court order. Under the new system, it is hoped that a decision will cut this time significantly, with decisions made in 24 hours.

Domestic violence is a real problem in Clark County. In the first half of 1998 there were more than 6,000 arrests for domestic violence charges. Temporary protective orders in and of themselves can't stop every violent act, but if issued swiftly they can deter some men and women from harming their spouses.

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