The mission of WATCH is to make the justice system more effective and reponsive in handling cases of violence, particularly against women and children, and to create a more informed and involved public. WATCH was founded in 1992 by a group of Minneapolis women who believed the courtlacked accountability for the safety of women and children and that publicscrutiny could address many systemic problems, including widely held mythsabout sexual and domestic violence, lack of attention to victim safety, and unprofessionaldemeanor. Volunteers, recognized by their red clipboards, are trained to monitor Hennepin County court hearings and their observations are used to recommend improvements to the justice system. WATCH provides training, resources, and technical assistance to other communities to help them adapt our model court-monitoring program in their jurisdictions.