This story is part of a series examining Kansas City’s domestic violence court system during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Upcoming coverage will include stories from survivors and advocates, as well as offenders who have successfully completed domestic violence court programs.
—
Kansas City Municipal Court leaders have created an unusual approach to handling domestic violence cases. One judge oversees thousands of domestic violence violations each month.
1 Kansas City judge handles nearly all city domestic violence cases
Court leaders say the process, which they call a “hub of judicial innovation,” sets KC apart from court systems across the country.
Presiding Judge Courtney Wachal, of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri-Kansas City Municipal Division, has exclusive jurisdiction over all domestic violence violations within Kansas City limits…