Honolulu police are being aided by specialists in domestic violence to assist victims in East Honolulu so officers can focus on the investigation of the crime, city officials said in a news release Monday.

Under the 37-week program, which began July 1, two people trained by the Domestic Violence Action Center will respond jointly with the Honolulu Police Department to provide crisis support, safety planning and advocacy to alleged victims.

The response team will be available between 2 and 11 p.m. seven days a week within HPD’s District 7, which covers approximately 40 square miles in East Honolulu. Excluding Waikiki, HPD District 7 includes Manoa, McCully, Moiliili, Kaimuki, Palolo, Diamond Head, Waialae, Kahala, Aina Haina, Kuliouou, Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley and Sandy Beach.

In 2015 police officers in this district responded to 591 abuse, protective order violations and other domestic violence-related calls and crimes, according to the release.

“The crisis that results in police intervention can be traumatizing,” said Nanci Kreidman, chief executive officer of the Domestic Violence Action Center, in the release. “The Safe on Scene program will be supported by DVAC in a way that will be key to safety and decision-making. Police will be able to focus on the investigation and securing the scene, and this partnership holds great promise.”

For more information about the Safe on Scene program, visit www.stopthe violence.org.