FAQ's - IDV Court

What is the Integrated Domestic Violence Court (or "IDV Court")?

In an effort to better serve families facing issues of domestic violence, Chief Judge Judith Kaye, in her 2003 State of the Judiciary address, announced the statewide expansion of IDV Courts. IDV Courts respond to a historic problem in the court system, which requires domestic violence victims and their families to appear in different courts before multiple judges, often located in different parts of a county, to address their legal issues.

Dedicated to the “one family - one judge” model, IDV Courts allow a single judge to hear multiple case types - criminal, family and matrimonial - which relate to one family where the underlying issue is domestic violence. By the end of 2005, three quarters of the residents of New York State live in counties served by these courts.

 

What are the goals of IDV Court?

IDV Courts aim to provide more informed judicial decision-making and greater consistency in court orders, while reducing the number of court appearances. In addition, these courts offer enhanced services to victims and ensure offender accountability. Go to the Unified Court System Domestic Violence website and read more about the goals of NYS IDV Courts.

 

Why is my case in IDV court?

Probably because you have an open case in a criminal court which constitutes a "domestic violence offense" and there is also a pending family court case (i.e., a request for an order of protection, emergency custody/visitation) with the same party. IDV court staff refer cases to the IDV Court Judge, who makes a decision whether or not to accept the case into the IDV court based on a variety of factors.

 

Where is IDV Court held?

Broome County IDV Court is held at:
Broome County Family & County Courts Building
65 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901

 

When are IDV Court sessions held?

Right now, all IDV Court sessions are held on Friday afternoons. If your case is transferred to IDV court, you will receive a copy of the order along with the date and time of your first appearance.