Onondaga County is taking a proactive step to safeguard victims of intimate partner violence. The Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) initiative, launched in 2024, brings together the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the probation department, the district attorney’s office, the crime analysis center and the nonprofit Vera House.
How STRIVE works on the ground
Lieutenant Christina Lewis of the Syracuse Police Department says the program’s core is early identification. Officers now use an 11‑question, evidence‑based screening tool called the Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement (DA‑LE) when they respond to calls that may involve intimate partner violence. “When the officers are on scene and they have identified that a situation fits the criteria for intimate partner violence, they will then administer what’s called the DA‑LE,” Lewis explained.
If the assessment flags a high‑risk situation, officers contact Vera House directly from the scene. This immediate connection allows victims to receive counseling, shelter, legal assistance and other resources without delay. The case is then referred to STRIVE detectives, who collaborate with the other participating agencies to review the details and determine the next steps.
Monthly coordination keeps the effort focused
All partners meet each month to discuss the high‑risk cases that have been identified. “We have monthly meetings where we all come to the table – the Syracuse Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, all the entities that I mentioned – and we are able to look at these high‑risk cases and then figure out how to proceed,” Lewis said. This coordinated approach ensures that no case falls through the cracks and that resources are allocated efficiently.
Vera House plays a pivotal role by tailoring support to each victim’s unique circumstances. Whether a survivor needs emergency shelter, legal advocacy, or long‑term counseling, the partnership aims to provide the right help at the right time.
Why a proactive model matters
Traditional responses to domestic‑violence incidents often wait until a crime has escalated before intervening. STRIVE flips that model, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. “The whole point of this is safety and again, to be more proactive than reactive. So we don’t want to wait until something bad happens,” Lewis emphasized.
By identifying elevated risk early, the initiative hopes to reduce serious injuries and homicides linked to intimate partner violence. While officers continue their investigations, the priority remains getting victims the assistance they need as soon as possible.
Community impact and next steps
Local leaders and advocates have praised the collaborative framework, noting that it strengthens the safety net for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. As the program matures, officials plan to expand training, refine the DA‑LE tool and explore additional partnerships with faith‑based and community organizations.
For families and neighbors, the message is clear: help is now more accessible, and law‑enforcement agencies are working hand‑in‑hand with support services to protect those at risk before tragedy strikes.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
