Anoka County seeks to get tougher in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence offenders be forewarned: Anoka County plans a tougher and more aggressive approach to suspected abusers -- even those who haven't been convicted.

"You look at the domestic violence crimes that turned into homicides and you wonder at what point can we do more up front to prevent these," Sheriff Bruce Andersohn said Tuesday. "We've got to do more to monitor the perpetrator."

After weeks of meetings involving some of the most diverse and influential groups in Anoka County, the County Board unanimously authorized applying for as much as $400,000 in federal grants from the Office on Violence Against Women to improve the criminal justice system's response to domestic violence.

Among those involved are the sheriff, the county attorney's office, corrections and court administration, and their message is clear, said Connie Moore, executive director of Alexandra House, a women's shelter in Blaine: "Let's make sure the victims get what they need, and let's hold the offenders accountable."

Andersohn talked about conducting more assessments that would enable victims to better convey their high risks of homicide or suicide.

County Commissioner Jim Kordiak, a former probation officer, is concerned about gaps in time between an alleged batterer's arrest and court appearances.

"Is this a case where a high-risk victim may be injured or killed?" asked Kate McPherson, head of operations for the Anoka County attorney's office.

Kordiak applauded Alexandra House's efforts but cautioned, "If you're not dealing with the guy who has the gun ..."

The plan, he said, is to have corrections services put into play at the alleged offender's first court appearance. The focus will be the most high-risk cases, McPherson said. When dealing with domestic abuse, it is no longer appropriate to think that "one size fits all," she said.

Moore sees and hears firsthand the horrors of domestic abuse with each battered woman who limps through the doors of Alexandra House with emotional scars that remain long after the bruises heal. She said that, with each victim, even the greatest caregivers will second-guess themselves and ask what might have been done to prevent a beating or, worse, a killing.

"We can do things better," said Moore, whose shelter is a key member of the committee seeking the federal grant for Anoka County.

"I'm excited about this project, even if we don't get this funding," she said. "This is the first time we've had community leaders from so many positions who can make things happen."