AUGUSTA, Maine - As of Jan. 1, Maine law enforcement agencies are required to use a new tool that helps identify those most likely to be repeat offenders of domestic violence assault.
The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment Tool - or ODARA - is a 13-question sheet that uses victim interviews and offender's criminal history to determine risk.
Margo Batsie of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence says ODARA will help zero in on who needs the most help.
"It's really trying to help us pinpoint our resources in Maine to the families that are the highest risk of re-assault and continued abuse," Batsie says.
Batsie says ODARA also helps bring a common language and awareness of risk of domestic violence to law enforcement, advocates, prosecution and the judiciary.
