Virtual Judges Panel Oct. 22, 2020

Almost 200 people, including 25 police chiefs,  officers from 43 police departments,  probation officers, Northwestern District Attorney Office staff and community members have registered for a virtual judges panel on "Court Access for Intimate Partner Violence Victims in the Covid-19 Era" from 3-4:30 pm tomorrow, Oct. 22.

Panelists include Judge Beth A. Crawford, First Justice of Franklin Probate and Family Court; Judge William F. Mazanec, III, First Justice of Greenfield District Court; Judge Bruce S. Melikian, First Justice of Eastern Hampshire District Court; Judge David S. Ross, First Justice of Orange District Court and Judge Maureen E. Walsh, First Justice of Northampton District Court.

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan will moderate.

Mary Kociela, director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs for the DA's Office, which has been organizing a judges panel once a year, said there has been an unusually strong response to this one.

“We remain concerned for victims of domestic violence who are further isolated and face increased risk due to the pandemic," Kociela said. 

"This event offers an opportunity for law enforcement, community advocates and court and DA staff to hear directly from judges regarding court access for victims now and going forward.”

Judges will be responding to questions submitted in advance about court access for survivors of intimate partner violence during the pandemic including electronic restraining orders and virtual hearings. ​