A few years ago, it was not an uncommon occurrence to see the victim of a domestic violence case run out of the courtroom in tears.

In 2002, several concerned DeKalb citizens made a vow to see justice served in DeKalb County courts. A year later, a group called DeKalb County Domestic Violence CourtWatch emerged.

Judges preside over as many as 50 domestic violence cases a day, often producing desensitization. It was often a trend for judges to be harsh toward victims in an effort to accelerate hearings. CourtWatch volunteers observed that many judges didn’t honor the 72-hour no-contact period for victims. Today, with the help of court-watchers, all victims are granted that period and judges are more sensitive during proceedings.

Looking to provide support and protection for victims of domestic violence, CourtWatch has seen radical changes in the way court proceedings are now carried out, said chairman of CourtWatch, Bob Hadley.

“We’ve been widely successful,” Hadley said.

Hadley, CourtWatch’s first president, has been a large part of the many changes occurring in DeKalb County domestic violence cases. He’s noticed, when court-watchers are present and when allowed to offer suggestions for improvement, change comes fast.

“When they see the court-watchers, it reminds them that no matter how tired they are, they have to treat [victims] fairly,” said CourtWatch President Barbara Samulowitz about DeKalb County judges.

When CourtWatch met with DeKalb County Presiding Judge Kurt Klein in 2003, they made increased sensitivity and consistency a permanent requirement.

DeKalb County judges are now required to attend training seminars on domestic violence to increase their knowledge of how to handle these brutal cases.

Last year, court-watchers observed cases that often took 18 months to pass through the court system. With their help, cases this year have been settled in an average of 12 months decreasing the stress put on victims.

With 26 court-watchers currently volunteering and sitting in at just over 400 cases last year, the not-for-profit organization is growing strong.

“They are people with a great concern for social justice,” Hadley said. Their efforts to support those who are less fortunate have given victims of domestic violence an extra hope, Hadley said.

Hadley said victims often express their gratitude for court-watchers saying how glad they are to have another set of eyes, ears and hearts to support them through a tough time. Victims’ confidence in these cases has soared since CourtWatch began, Hadley said.