Reno Justice Court is proud to announce HER Court (Hope, Empowerment, Recovery), a therapeutic court program in Northern Nevada dedicated to women. The program launches Monday, October 13, 2025, aligning with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Nevada has the highest rates of violence against women in the nation. According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 61.8 percent of Nevada women have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. More than half (56.8 percent) of Nevada women have experienced physical violence by a partner, with nearly half of those incidents classified as severe. These trends underscore the urgent need for trauma-responsive and gender-specific interventions in the justice system.
Led by Judge Ryan Katherine Sullivan, HER Court marks a milestone for Washoe County and Northern Nevada by expanding access to gender-responsive justice. The primarily female-led HER Court team includes the judge, clinicians, case managers, a probation officer, a prosecutor, a public defender, and a program coordinator.
“Addressing the root of the problem is key. Often substance use is covering or numbing the pain of unaddressed trauma,” Judge Sullivan said. “HER Court takes on these issues directly and aims to stop destructive patterns and decrease recidivism.”
What sets HER Court apart is its holistic focus. Participants in HER Court will benefit from comprehensive, gender-responsive services and education including trauma processing through evidence-based therapy, substance use treatment, gender responsive medical treatment, nutrition education, parenting and childcare education, financial literacy skills, and advocacy for domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors. The program also incorporates yoga and meditation practices, book-based learning exercises, and on-site groups at the courthouse like DBT and Seeking Safety.
Participants appear regularly before the judge, work closely with the dedicated court team, and move through structured program phases as they meet their goals. The aim is to reduce recidivism, promote long-term stability, and strengthen the community by addressing the underlying issues such as trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges that often bring people into the justice system.
HER Court will serve an estimated 30 to 40 women in its first year. Eligible participants must have a misdemeanor case, meet full or partial diagnostic criteria for CPTSD or PTSD, be assessed as being high risk and high need, and be determined through clinical and therapeutic court assessment to benefit from gender-inclusive services. Participants may also have the opportunity to have their criminal charges dismissed or their convictions set aside upon successful completion of the 12–18 month program.
“We want women in this program to feel seen, understood, and supported in every aspect of their lives. HER court is not just about resolving a criminal case, but ensuring women reclaim their health, independence, and stability,” Emily Ruff, Program Coordinator of Reno Justice Court Specialty Courts, said. “Women face unique barriers, and HER Court is our way of filling that gap and offering meaningful support to women in Northern Nevada.”
HER Court is designed not only to change the lives of participants but to strengthen the broader community by reducing recidivism, easing the burden on the justice system, and promoting safer families. While HER Court is designed for women, men and others who may benefit from gender-inclusive, trauma informed services are welcome. Attorneys, service providers, and community members are encouraged to make referrals for eligible women.
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