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Domestic Violence is a crime taken very seriously by the King County Sheriffs Office. Domestic violence crimes include stalking, harassment, threats, assaults, court order violations, trespassing, burglary and vandalism. When one of these crimes occurs in unincorporated King County or a contract city that purchases our services, our Domestic Violence Intervention Unit (DVIU) team reviews these cases and investigates those needing follow up.
Our regionally recognized 10-person team has three main goals
- Stop domestic violence
- Help victims access resources in their community
- Hold those who have committed crimes accountable
About the DVIU
The DVIU was formed in January of 1998 and is staffed by one sergeant, six detectives, one community service officer (CSO), one professional staff support clerk, and a Firearms Forfeiture Program manager. Our team reviews cases that need further investigation and assigns them for follow-up. In addition, this unit sends cases to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with charging recommendations.
Our specially-trained CSO is often available to assist victims with questions they have and to help them identify community resources, along with services that may provide additional support. Services available to victims include assistance with resource referrals, accessing protection orders, and emergent transportation. A Victim Rights Brochure (available below) is provided to victims at the scene and lists many of the available community and court resources.
Partner Agencies and Services
The Domestic Violence Intervention Unit works collaboratively with other King County departments and numerous community- and court-based domestic violence victim advocates. Together, we provide a coordinated response to domestic violence, as well as policy and prevention initiatives.
Our partners include, but are not limited to:
- King County Superior and District Courts
- King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Domestic Violence Unit
- King County Domestic Violence Council
- King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Child Protective Services
- Public Health
The DVIU is responsible for assisting in officer training for domestic violence response and initiating community education around the issue.
Firearms Forfeiture Program
The Firearms Forfeiture Program works with the Prosecutor’s Office and courts to remove firearms from domestic violence offenders. This program improves the safety of domestic violence survivors, their friends and family, and first responders.
When our deputies investigate domestic violence calls and notice that firearms are present, the Prosecutor’s Office may ask the courts to order a surrender of firearms. Compliance to the surrender order is monitored by the prosecutor's office and courts. This program is supported by the Sheriff's Office and it's contract city police departments in collaboration with the prosecutor's office and courts.
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