The Berkshire District Attorney’s office is launching a new High-Risk Domestic Violence Team, which will work to identify cases with an increased risk of extreme violence.

Berkshire County is the last in Massachusetts to have a high risk team. The group includes members of the district attorney’s office, the county sheriff’s office, and the Elizabeth Freeman Center.

District Attorney Andrea Harrington said it’s important for the new effort to have a collaborative, community-based approach.

“The team monitors and discusses risk indicators, offender history, the nature of an offense, and developments, such as releases from incarceration, parole, probation, with an eye towards empowering victims of crime," Harrington said.

Elizabeth Freeman Center Executive Director Janis Broderick said they’ve been advocating for a high risk team for years, and it’s needed now more than ever.

Broderick said, “We were busy before COVID, we are very busy now. We have been responding to an increasing number of calls for help, and we are seeing more severe violence and very high levels of danger.”

Anyone in need of help with any domestic violence related issues in the Berkshires can contact either the Berkshire DA’s office, or the Elizabeth Freeman Center.