Just Response
Just Response is a team of criminal justice and community professionals working together in response to child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault crime to increase victim safety and make our community safer.
Trainings & Events
- Monthly Lunch and Learn Series: Third Wednesday of each month, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Microsoft Teams. Click here to join the meeting. Open to all.
Projects & Initiatives
Click the arrows below to learn more about what Just Response has worked on.
The Missoula County Strangulation Protocol was adopted in March of 2022 to increase public safety, promote public health, and to save lives. Female victims of strangulation (often referred to as choking) are 750% more likely to be killed.
By improving the detection and documentation of domestic violence strangulation cases, Missoula County and partner agencies can better assist victims and hold offenders accountable for these serious criminal acts.
Missoula County uses the Arizona Intimate Partner Risk Assessment Instrument System (APRAIS), a method designed to enhance risk assessment and safety planning in intimate partner violence cases.
In 2025, county staff hosted a training for local law enforcement agencies, courts, the Missoula County Crime Victim Advocates, the YWCA, UM SARC, Montana Department of Corrections and others were trained on the APRAIS method. This training equips criminal justice professionals with evidence-based tools to identify and respond to high-risk domestic violence cases, improving victim safety, enhancing system coordination, and supporting data-driven decision-making across law enforcement, advocacy and the courts. It helps uncover serious threats that might otherwise go unnoticed, building survivor trust and promoting more effective legal outcomes.
The Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to raising awareness about the issue of sex and labor trafficking in our community and building a coordinated, trauma-informed, and multi-disciplinary response to child and adult victims. Click here to learn more.
