The DeKalb County Domestic Violence CourtWatch reported that none of the judges serving in DeKalb County met the organization’s requirements.

CourtWatch, a volunteer organization, was established last year to observe court proceedings in domestic violence cases.

David Valentiner, one of the 10 members, said the group attended about 400 hours of court cases and observed how the judges handled the cases.

Observers looked at how judges handled the plaintiff and the victim and how punishments were handed out.

The committee then listed requirements that it thought judges should have before presiding over a domestic violence case.

Some of the requirements include being a member of an organization that helps prevent domestic violence, attending educational forums, having knowledge of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and demonstrating proper courtroom demeanor.

“None of the judges in DeKalb County meet those requirements,” Valentiner said.

Charles Tucker, a member of the organization, said CourtWatch was started because members were concerned about how domestic violence cases were handled.

After gathering the information, the committee met with some of the DeKalb County judges to express concerns.

Improper treatment of victims of the cases was one of the main problems members witnessed, Valentiner said.

“In some cases, [judges] would blame the victim,” Valentiner said.

Tucker said he saw cases where victims could be denied orders of protection.

Joan Rappaport of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence said she was glad to see that DeKalb County was looking out for the victims of domestic violence.

Valentiner said DeKalb County was the only county he knew of with this type of program.

“I hope more projects spring up; we would be able to compare,” Rappaport said.

Valentiner wasn’t specific on whether any particular judge was better than others. Five judges were observed during the observation stage.

He also said it remains to be seen whether the research will lead to changes in behavior.

Robert Hadley, a member of CourtWatch, said the next step for the committee is still unknown.

“We still have a ways to go,” he said.