To protect victims, the Racine Police Department will start assessing whether victims in domestic violence situations are at risk of injury or great bodily harm.
Starting Wednesday, the department is using a program called the Lethality Assessment Program when they respond to domestic violence calls. The program helps officers identify whether victims are in potentially lethal situations.
If a victim is determined to be at a higher risk of injury or great bodily harm, the officer will connect the person with a domestic violence hotline advocate. Officers will use questions to determine the person’s risk. If the person meets a high-danger rating, the advocate will help the person with safety planning.
High-danger means the person is at the greatest risk of being killed.
The hotline number to reach an advocate is (262) 633-3233.