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"In the past Mr. Newman has helped to recruit new membership among local professionals, has taken an active role in providing outside experts to present information to council members and has provided a constant flow of information regarding diverse perspectives and under-served victim populations. This activity will continue along with his new responsibilities as Co-Chair. He is very pleased that he will continue to be in a position to help guide this progressive and open-minded Council in it's important work!
This Council's membership is representative of professionals within the scope of social service providers, law enforcement, educators, mental health providers, court personnel, religious leaders and domestic violence professionals among others.
This Council serves the Family Division of the Derry District Court and the 9 town coverage area within it's jurisdiction.
The Mission Statement of the Greater Derry Domestic Violence Coordinating Council:
To investigate, analyze, understand and direct cooperative efforts to help end Domestic Violence through education. support services and law enforcement.
Brief history of NH's DV Coordinating Councils:
32 original councils were formed in 1994 and these local "committees" were populated with representatives from legal and law enforcement professionals, the advocacy community, schools and other community representatives. The goals of these local councils were to:
(A) Educate communities about all aspects of the justice system as it relates to domestic violence matters.
(B) Create a forum for the free-flow of information with which these cases are handled, including an opportunity to critically review how each of the "contact points" of the system are performing their function.
(C) Engage the community in discussion of the need for continued information and education about domestic violence at a local level.
In 1997 the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges recognized this council "project" in New Hampshire as a model for Coordinating Council programs across the country!
In addition to its outreach, education and other initiatives the Greater Derry Domestic Violence Council:
* issues several scholarships per year to high school students in their coverage area
* designed and prints a pocket sized Domestic Violence Safety Plan , practical information and resource guide which is carried by law enforcement, advocates and others to distribute to victims in need.
* This Council also produced and distributes a video for education and outreach purposes entitled, "Behind Closed Doors".
Mr. Newman is looking forward to helping to enhance this council's ability to reach out to the communities in it's coverage area by promoting outreach and a more public profile for the council in the future, this will be among his core responsibilities as Co-Chair."
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