2022 COMBAT Funding: $98,200.00

In Synergy Services' Own Words

In conjunction with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Synergy Services developed a Diversion Specialty Court that focuses specifically on domestic violence offenders. Judges who have received domestic violence training will exclusively refer domestic violence (DV) offenders to Synergy's Jackson County BIP and Peaceful Path Diversion Program (BIP) to oversee the offenders’ progress.   Synergy's BIP program staff provide individual offender assessments, group education treatment provided by the therapist and monitored case management provided by the Diversion Officer.   Ninety percent of offenders will successfully complete the 42-week program.

100 Cases On An Average Day

The Domestic Violence Court of Kansas City handles 100 domestic violence cases on average every day. In 2018 there were 9,826 domestic violence incidents in Jackson County, which was a 42% increase from the 6,682 domestic violence incidents in 2014.  A total of 72 homicides occurred as a result of domestic violence in Jackson County during 2018, which was a 47% increase from 49 domestic violence-related homicides in 2014, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, Crime in Missouri 2018.

Ex-offenders Returning To Jackson County

Jackson County, along with the rest of the nation, experienced an influx of ex-offenders who re-entered our community after years of incarceration. It is a common fear that those who are returning to society from incarceration will become responsible for violent behaviors in the communities to which they return. Several studies show that interventions meant to teach new coping behaviors to ex-offenders can be very successful in reducing these violent reactions.

Synergy’s BIP, certified by Missouri Probation and Parole since 2015, works to educate DV offenders about basic domestic violence and to assist in the facilitation of change from harmful behaviors to more positive behaviors.   In 2019 BIP served 232 DV offenders, up from 189 served in 2015, a 20% increase.

Expanding Service  

Support from Jackson County COMBAT enables the Jackson County BIP and Peaceful Path Diversion Program to expand its services to form a Specialty Court with the 16th Circuit Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to focus on reducing the number of domestic violence-related homicides.