Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART)

The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is responsible for investigating and reporting domestic abuse cases, stalking, order of protection violations, incidents where the perpetrator is a current or former partner/spouse and elder abuse cases.



DART Detectives respond to all cases where the crime fits the unit’s criteria. DART Detectives receive special training on dealing with difficult and often complicated issues of Domestic Violence. In the event that a DART Detective is unable to respond, District Officers will begin the initial investigation until a DART unit member becomes available.

Victims and citizens may contact the DART Unit directly at the numbers listed on the right. It is recommended that 911 be called to report any domestic violence cases, order of protection violations, stalking, or elder abuse cases so that the police can immediately respond to start the investigation during all hours.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has partnered with the Crime Victim Center (CVC) for over 20 years in a program called the Domestic Violence Intervention Partnership (DVIP). DVIP Advocates are housed within St. Louis Metropolitan Police Headquarters and provide intimate partner violence victims with immediate crisis response and on-going advocacy services while the investigation is ongoing, working closely with Detectives to ensure victims receive the necessary support and information to start the healing process. When available, DVIP Advocates respond with Detectives to scenes to provide immediate on-scene intervention. To reach a DVIP Advocate call 314-444-5833.

Our DART Detectives partner with several other advocacy and support services listed below. These partnerships ensure that services and advocacy are made available to victims at every opportunity. The Victim Services Unit of the Office of the Circuit Attorney is also an important partner to assist the needs of victims and families in cases that move forward through the court process. To reach a DVIP Advocate call 314-444-5833.


Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Resources

Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments (ALIVE) – (314-993-2777)
Provides counseling, emergency sanctuary, safety planning and other critical services.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital AWARE Program (314-362-9273)
Provides advocacy services, information and resources.

Crime Victim Center – (314-652-3623)
Provides crisis intervention, personal advocacy, safety planning, legal advocacy & representation, assistance with filing crime victims’ compensation, filing for orders of protection, and counseling.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri – (314-534-4200, toll-free 800-444-0514)
Provides advocacy, immediate crisis support, legal advocacy & representation, assistance with orders of protection, family, immigration, and landlord-tenant law matters.

Life Sources Consultants, Inc. – (24 hour number: 314-524-0686)
Provides advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling, support and information.

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – (573-634-4161)
State coalition providing education, assistance, alliance and research in the field of domestic and sexual
violence.

Safe Connections – (24 Hour Hotline: 314-531-2003)
Provides advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling, education and referrals.

St. Martha’s Hall – (314-533-1313)
Provides emergency shelter for abused women and their children.

Women’s Safe House – (314-772-4535)
Provides emergency shelter for abused women and their children.

YWCA Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Repsonse Team (DV-SART)
Crisis Intervention: 314-645-4848
24 Hour Hotline: 314-531-7273
Provides advocacy, immediate crisis support, court advocacy, safety planning, counseling and education.

For Additional Resources:

Start Here St. Louis Resource Directory

St. Louis Ending Violence Against Women Network

Contact Information

DART Unit

Police Headquarters
1915 Olive St.
St. Louis, Mo 63103

314-444-5385

dart ribbon 1

dart ribbon 2