(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Domestic violence is disturbingly prevalent in our communities, and can be difficult for law enforcement to tackle. But here in West Virginia, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District William Ihlenfeld II and a group of state and federal partners may have found a way to make greater strides in that fight.

On Monday, Ihlenfeld’s office announced a new domestic violence reduction strategy, as well as the first indictments to result from the effort. The initiative was kicked off in Berkeley County, where the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center joined forces.

Other states have tried similar collaborations, but Ihlenfeld told WV MetroNews “From talking to other U.S. attorneys who have tried something similar in other parts of the country, they have not produced in the way that we have.”

The approach here in the Mountain State involved protecting domestic violence victims by getting criminals off the streets and prosecuting violent offenders, keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and conducting training for law enforcement. The partner agencies also met regularly to share intelligence, make charging decisions and provide support to victims, according to Ihlenfeld’s office.

“Domestic abusers are some of the most dangerous individuals in our community,” Ihlenfeld said. “This new and innovative approach will make Berkeley County safer for everyone, and especially for victims of domestic violence.”

The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office assisted on this first round of “multiple federal indictments” returned in May under the initiative.

It is commendable progress, and an effort that should not be slowed. In fact, given the success, Ihlenfeld (and his counterpart William Thomspon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia), should expand the initiative as quickly as possible. Sadly, there is plenty of work for them, all over the state.