WARREN, Mich. — A new partnership between the Warren Police Department and the nonprofit Turning Point Macomb is changing how domestic violence cases are handled, WXYZ reported.
Operation Cycle Break focuses on early intervention, survivor support and offender accountability, and data suggests it’s already making a measurable impact, according to the report.
Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins said the initiative emerged from the need for a more effective, victim-centered approach to violent crime. Domestic violence accounts for nearly 70% of homicides and half of all violent crimes in Warren.
“We were looking for a comprehensive response to violent crime problems we’ve seen in Warren,” Sgt. Jim Twardesky told WXYZ. “What we saw was that domestic violence nexus. And so if you’re going to address violent crime, you have to go for the root cause.”
Early results show promise
Wayne State University researchers working with the department found that since Operation Cycle Break began:
- 86% of submitted warrant requests were approved
- 90% of those resulted in arrests
- 449 lethality assessments were completed to better inform courts
- 72% of victims were successfully contacted within 10 days
- 149 offenders were enrolled in Batterer Intervention Counseling
- 16 specialized court sessions were held to reconnect with victims who had lost contact with the court system
Turning Point Macomb, a key partner in the program, offers 24-hour crisis support, emergency shelter and counseling for survivors. Their trauma-informed approach helps ensure police and advocates respond with care and sensitivity from the very first call.
“We have created a very proactive, trauma-informed response to domestic violence. So when an officer goes out now, one of the things they’re recognizing is there’s trauma and there needs to be a different approach,” Turning Point CEO Dr. Sharman Davenport said.
The program also addresses those who commit harm. Counseling and intervention programs are now often part of bond conditions to help reduce recidivism.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence:
- Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
Help is available. You are not alone.
