Universal Response to Domestic Violence (URDV)

Created in 1994, the Universal Response to Domestic Violence Project works to oversee a coordinated community response to domestic violence. Through collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Department of Community and Family Services, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County Family Court, Integrated Domestic Violence Court, Dutchess County Probation and Community Corrections, City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Dutchess County Sherriff’s Office, New York State Police, City of Beacon Police, Family Services’ Center for Victim Safety and Support, Family Services’ Domestic Abuse Awareness Classes, Grace Smith House, and House of Hope come together to form the Project’s Steering Committee. These agency representatives partner to implement and maintain the coordinated community response by addressing gaps in the systemic response to domestic violence. To act as a liaison between all agencies, the Project employs a Project Coordinator.