OCONTO, Wisconsin (WBAY) – The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office and a domestic violence shelter are coming together to provide more resources for abuse victims across the county, including safe places for parents to resolve child custody.
Parking lots at six Oconto County law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office, have what is called a “security-monitored child-safe exchange location.” These locations are under video surveillance 24 hours a day.
The sheriff’s agreement with Rainbow House is to move victims and their children from the scene of a domestic violence incident to the Rainbow House emergency shelter in Marinette. The sheriff’s office will cover the cost of transporting victims to the domestic violence shelter.
“Domestic violence encompasses every area of every race, every part of Wisconsin. Even if you’re a sheriff, you can still be a victim,” said Sheriff Todd Skarban.
According to Rainbow House, a lawyer suggested creating a safe area after a harrowing experience.
“She had a client who was assaulted and kidnapped in a custody swap and she wanted to make sure this never happened again,” said Courtney Olson, chief executive of Rainbow House.
Sheriff Skarban says domestic violence is personal to him. His cousin was interim general manager of Rainbow House when she was killed by her partner a few years ago and it shaped his career.
“It’s very stressful for your family. I know it’s a burden on my cousins and immediate family. It’s still hard to deal with. It’s a very powerful thing. So we take it seriously here, our law enforcement officers are trained, they’re well educated,” Skarban said.
The partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and Rainbow House will expire in October 2024.
Sex law enforcement parking lots with 24/7 surveillance provide a safe exchange
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