The mission of the DC Domestic Violence Court Watch Project is to create transparency and data-driven information through court monitoring to ensure that all victims of domestic violence have equal access to a clear, fair and consistent judicial process that prioritizes victim safety and offender accountability.

The DC Domestic Violence Court Watch Project is a collaborative project in which volunteers monitor certain judicial proceedings and provide feedback to the court, the Bar, and the community at large about a range of issues that may impact the safety of domestic violence survivors both in and out of court. Across the country, similar programs track a variety of types of cases, ranging from drunken driving, immigrant rights, and juvenile offenses to sexual assault and domestic violence. The DC Domestic Violence Court Watch Project is intended to monitor court proceedings in the Domestic Violence Unit and Family Court in cases involving allegations of domestic violence. The data is gathered via standardized forms developed in conjunction with advocates, victims, and court personnel. The first Court Watch Report was produced by SAFE, Inc. in 2006, and SAFE's volunteers have been monitoring various issues in the DV Unit ever since. Based these observations, SAFE has produced a Pro Se Petitioner's Guide to Civil Protection Orders, in order to provide additional assistance to survivors whom are appearing in court without attorneys.