Tarrant County ranks among the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. Last year, 16 of those cases ended in murder, 13 already this year. Those numbers are second only to Harris County.
Now the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office is joining with police departments to identify the worst offenders and stop the violence before it reaches the courthouse.
"Nationwide, statistics show that one in every four women is going to experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Here in Tarrant County, statistics show it's one in every three," said Art Clayton, Chief Prosecutor for the District Attorney's new Intimate Partner Violence Unit.
The unit is focused on cases involving married couples or boyfriend-girlfriend, where the emotions involved breed a greater danger.
"Looking at cases that involved homicide, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, burglaries with the intent to commit assaults," Clayton said. "We are well behind the curve all too often on these cases."
So the DA's office is getting involved before it hits the courthouse. Prosecutors are partnering with law enforcement all over the county to identify the worst offenders and put them on notice.
"We're not trying to let it be a crime that's hidden,” said Bedford Police Sergeant Tyler Stillman. “We're letting the suspects or aggressors know that we know who they are. We know where they live."
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The Bedford Police Department formed its own special unit that can make unannounced safety visits at homes of repeated violence and track offenders if they move cities. It’s all part of shifting the focus from victim to aggressor.
For the first time, the DA's office is also getting involved in police training, letting departments know exactly what they need to make a case.
"We can use our body-worn cameras, the statements made at the scene, the officer's excellent reports as a totality," Sgt. Stillman said.
"Whereas before we weren't really able to prosecute if the victim didn't want to cooperate it made it a lot more difficult," added Courtney Janes, Crime Victims Coordinator for the Hurst, Euless and Bedford Police Departments.
At the same time, they’re letting victims know they have a support system outside the cycle of violence.
"We tell them every day, we're here to help you and extend that support," Clayton said.
By communicating earlier, the DA's Office can help get a no-contact order in place and make an offender wear a GPS monitor or go through drug testing while he's out on bond.
They can also connect the victim with resources like getting her into a shelter and out of a dangerous home.
