Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks:

“Domestic violence affects individuals and families across our community in ways that are often hidden from view. Behind each statistic is a survivor who has experienced fear, control, and harm, often at the hands of someone they trusted. Abuse often begins subtly, through isolation, financial control, verbal threats, or psychological manipulation. Over time, these patterns can escalate and, in some cases, become deadly. Understanding the warning signs and knowing how to respond can make a real difference. It can save lives.

These situations are not just private matters; they carry consequences for neighborhoods, workplaces, and the community. As District Attorney, I have seen the profound impact of abuse left unaddressed. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I encourage everyone to learn the signs of abuse, support survivors, and hold offenders accountable, just as we’re doing in the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office.

In 2023, I convened a regional coalition of law enforcement, victim advocates, prosecutors, and courts to strengthen our community’s response to domestic violence. Over the course of a year, this collaboration closed system gaps, improved communication among stakeholders, and spawned practical ideas that enhance victim safety and drive meaningful system-wide improvements. Among these is a Domestic Violence Risk Assessment tool, which provides officers with structured questions to quickly evaluate the risk of escalating violence. The results help guide bail decisions and ensure courts impose conditions, such as no-contact orders or firearm restrictions, that better protect survivors.

Also, court practices have grown stronger. No-contact orders are being issued and enforced more consistently, and prosecutors in my office continue to push for bail conditions that protect victims and maintain community safety. Judges are making sure those conditions are backed by clear authority and due process, so they are effective and enforceable. Building on this progress, Governor Lombardo’s recent crime bill sought to expand court tools for monitoring compliance and accountability in domestic violence cases.

Strong policies must be paired with effective prosecutions. Earlier this year, a Washoe County jury convicted a repeat domestic abuser who strangled his victim with a belt while she was driving. The victim faced intimidation and pressure to remain silent from her abuser, and her statements were sometimes inconsistent. Through the utilization of an expert witness, our prosecutor worked tirelessly to explain the dynamics of power and control inherent in abusive relationships – helping the jury understand why victims often recant or minimize their experiences. This conviction held a dangerous offender accountable and reinforced that our office is committed to justice for survivors, even when cases are complex.

Beyond the courtroom, my office has invested in direct support for victims through a Domestic Violence Program. Therein, we have a specialized domestic violence investigator position, staffed by an individual with advanced training in strangulation prevention. Strangulation is one of the clearest predictors of future homicide in domestic violence cases, and this investigator ensures investigations are thorough while survivors receive immediate support. The role includes documenting injuries, collecting evidence, and coordinating with advocates to provide safety planning and education. The investigator and victim advocates guide survivors through their rights under Marsy’s Law and other protections, ensuring they are never navigating the system alone.

Our team is witnessing the real and lasting impact of this program. Through consistent outreach, trauma-informed advocacy, and a commitment to meeting victims where they are, we are helping survivors break free from cycles of abuse while ensuring offenders are held accountable. The results are tangible. In one case, a survivor who had long defended her abuser chose a different path after a new incident of strangulation. With support from our domestic violence investigator and a victim advocate, she committed to leaving the relationship and assisting in the prosecution, while expressing gratitude that our office had never given up on her.

These examples show that when strong prosecution is combined with compassionate, trauma-informed outreach, survivors are supported both legally and personally, giving them the opportunity to break free from cycles of abuse.

This October, I encourage everyone in our community to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn the signs of abuse, wear purple to show support for survivors, attend a local event, or share resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE). Most importantly, be ready to listen, believe, and support victims in need of help.

Domestic violence thrives in silence. By raising awareness, strengthening protections, and holding offenders accountable, we can build a community where survivors are safe, abusers are stopped, and every relationship is rooted in respect and dignity.”

First elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, Chris Hicks is the 37th Washoe County District Attorney.