Third Branch eNews

Two Wisconsin court officials recently attended a national workshop focused on improving court processes for people involved in domestic violence cases, with an emphasis on access to justice, courtroom safety, and procedural fairness.

District Court Administrator Anya Crossland and Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court Becky Matoska-Mentink attended “Enhancing the Court Process for Domestic Violence Litigants,” hosted by the Center for Justice Innovation from May 19-21 in Denver.

The two-and-a-half-day workshop brought together court professionals from across the country to discuss practical ways courts can improve the experience of litigants navigating domestic violence cases. Sessions focused on domestic violence dynamics, procedural justice, courtroom leadership, court data, safety planning, case coordination, custody evaluation, community partnerships, and the use of technology in civil protection order cases.

Crossland described the workshop as a valuable opportunity for Wisconsin to actively engage in the national conversation on domestic violence court processes, including efforts to make the court experience more accessible, consistent, and responsive for litigants in the state. The workshop also provided a chance to learn from programs and practices that have been implemented in other states.

“It was equally valuable to learn about successful programs and practices that have been implemented in other states,” Crossland said.

A central theme of the workshop was procedural justice, including how court users experience the process and whether they feel heard, respected, and able to understand what is happening in their case. The curriculum also addressed ways courts can improve efficiency and safety while working with community partners and maintaining fair, accessible processes for all litigants.

Crossland said she and Matoska-Mentink plan to share the insights and ideas from the workshop with colleagues throughout Wisconsin.