Fort Wayne Police Launched Domestic Violence Initiatives

The department scheduled new community fundraisers and an educational conference for this fall.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Violence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric municipal building facade, evoking the institutional role of police in domestic violence victim support. — The Fort Wayne Police Department launched new community initiatives, including restaurant fundraisers and an academic conference, to expand victim advocacy support services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe local awareness events effectively improve support for survivors in your community?

The Fort Wayne Police Department has introduced new outreach efforts, including a restaurant fundraiser and an upcoming academic conference. These events aim to bolster support for victims of domestic violence within the local community.

Why it matters

Domestic violence cases represent a significant majority of the annual workload for the local office. Increased public awareness and educational initiatives help the department better serve those in need of victim advocacy.

Domestic violence accounts for 60% to 70% of all cases handled by the office annually. The department is actively tracking the impact of these educational programs on local victim advocacy efforts.

The players

Fort Wayne Police Department

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and criminal investigations within Fort Wayne.

Dottie Davis

She serves as the keynote speaker for the upcoming The Response Matters conference regarding domestic violence.

Purdue University Fort Wayne

This institution is hosting the department's second annual conference focused on addressing domestic violence.

Red Robin

This restaurant chain is hosting a fundraiser at its 4201 Coldwater Road location to support local victim advocacy.

The details

The department partnered with Red Robin at 4201 Coldwater Road to donate 20% of eligible food sales to Victim Assistance. Additionally, the agency released the 2026 Rise Up Against Domestic Violence apparel line to further promote community support.

October 6 and 7: Red Robin fundraiser for victim assistance.
November 4: The Response Matters conference at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

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Sept. 25
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Legal Context

The 2026 conference follows the successful model established by the first annual The Response Matters conference. This ongoing partnership reflects a broader trend of police departments collaborating with academic institutions to address systemic violence.

Residents can support local victim assistance programs by dining at the participating restaurant during the scheduled fundraiser. The public is also invited to attend the educational conference to learn more about the department's domestic violence prevention strategies.

The takeaway

Community-based partnerships serve as a critical bridge between law enforcement and victims in need of specialized assistance. These events provide a direct way for residents to contribute to the resources available for those impacted by domestic violence.