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The Domestic Violence and Criminal Harassment Unit (DVACH) currently operates three Domestic Violence Response Teams (DVRTs). Each DVRT is comprised of a police investigator and a "community counsellor" with professional qualifications in social work or a related social science, as well as experience in dealing with victims of domestic violence. The DVRTs work under the direct supervision of the DVACH Unit sergeant, and they are also accountable to an advisory committee comprised of representatives from Family Services of Greater Vancouver, the BC Ministry of Attorney General and other community stakeholders.

The mandate of the DVRTs is to provide prompt follow-up service to partners who are experiencing violence in their relationships. In addition, the DVRTs will proactively identify women at risk of domestic violence and intervene wherever possible. The goal of the DVRTs is to review all files forwarded to the Unit and to select cases for follow-up which meet the criteria of our mandate.

When a DVRT is involved and charges are laid, the victims are supported throughout to trial to reduce the likelihood of the victim "dropping out" of the prosecution. The DVRTs are not able to follow-up all cases initially investigated by patrol members because of the numbers involved. Cases are selected based on several factors, including the level of risk to the victim. Providing education and training to Patrol Division members and to the public regarding the dynamics of domestic violence is also an important function of the DVRTs.