Taking a Stand Against Domestic Violence: Judge Echo Hutson

Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk

Welcome to Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk, where we speak with people who have done something to make this world a better place. It’s simple: inspire, educate and let’s go change this world!
On today’s episode, Jeff welcomes guest Judge Echo Hutson, the elected judge of Montgomery County Court at Law #4, which oversees misdemeanor criminal cases, domestic violence court and mental health treatment court. She has dedicated her personal and professional career to protecting Montgomery County’s citizens and victims of violent crime, first as a prosecuting attorney and now in her role as Judge. She was instrumental in starting the first domestic violence division in the county in 2011 and became the county’s first domestic violence specialized prosecutor. She loves to speak and educate others on matters involving domestic violence and mental health treatment. She is also the founder and host of the annual Flowers on the Lake Domestic Violence Awareness event.
To begin, Judge Echo Huston shares that she earned her undergraduate degree in Alaska with the intention of attending law school. When one of her fellow students, a young woman, went missing in their small town, Judge Hutson had the opportunity to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the missing case as an intern. Working on this case changed Judge Hutson’s career trajectory. From that moment on, she saw the practice of law as an opportunity to be an advocate for victims and to never give up on someone who no longer has their voice. Right after she finished law school, Judge Hutson moved to El Paso, TX, where there was a special division for domestic violence and began prosecuting. Judge Hutson began and organically grew the domestic violence division at the DA’s office. A study done between 2021-2022 concluded that Montgomery County’s specialty court is one of the highest national performers. This is based on conviction rates, the time from cases being filed to disposed, their trauma informed treatment for victims and more.
Then, Judge Hutson shares some of the key statistics regarding domestic violence based on U.S. studies. First, 1 in 3 women in their lifetime will experience domestic violence. Those who attempt to leave the relationship, there is a 75% increased likelihood that they will be killed during that time. The average victim makes 7-8 attempts to leave domestic violent relationships before they finally leave for good. Judge Hutson shares that the biggest mistake people often make is to push victims to leave a relationship before they are ready to do it themselves. We also know that victims of domestic violence who have help from resources tend to remain alive. Before wrapping up, Judge Hutson highlights success stories and highlights her goals for the future. Finally, she identifies her own personal game changers.

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