Reno Justice Court opened a new specialty court, primarily for women, called HER Court (Hope, Empowerment, Recovery) on Oct. 13.
“It’s tricky for women in the justice system,” said Specialty Court Program Coordinator Emily Ruff. “Sometimes they’re arrested, maybe on possession of substances, or even domestic-battery charges, but then you’ll speak with them, and they will end up articulating or divulging a history of trauma, or even being prior victims themselves.”
The new court aims to connect them with resources that include trauma-inf9ormed medical care, and to reduce recidivism. Ruff and Judge Ryan Katherine Sullivan discussed their goals with the RN&R.