Family and intimate partner violence (also referred to as domestic violence) accounts for one-third of all homicides in Virginia each year. To better understand and prevent these tragic deaths, communities across Virginia, and across the country, have joined the growing fatality review effort.
In 1999, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation authorizing family and intimate partner fatality review (hereafter referred to as domestic violence fatality review). The Code of Virginia §32.1-283.3 provides for the establishment of local and regional domestic violence fatality review teams (DVFRTs). It provides important statutory confidentiality protection, and directs the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to provide technical assistance and training.
The Commonwealth currently has fifteen local and regional DVFRTs. Teams are made up of multidisciplinary stakeholders who come together to review cases of fatal violence. Because the fatality review process is confidential, it provides team members with an excellent opportunity for frank and constructive discussion and analysis. Case review can enhance collaboration among community stakeholders, and improve the quality and coordination of community services.
Reports published by Virginia’s teams provide critical information on the victims and perpetrators in fatal homicide events, as well as the lethality factors that shaped these tragedies. The work of these teams is having a positive impact at the local level, and also contributes to state and national domestic violence prevention efforts.
DVFRTs are authorized by the Code of Virginia §32.1-283.3, and endorsed by local government.
A team is a voluntary, community-based group of domestic violence stakeholders. Generally, a team organizer invites the participation of all agenciesinvolved in the local domestic violence response. A detailed description for establishing and running a team is included in the Family and Intimate Partner Violence Fatality Review: Team Protocol and Resource Manual (3rd Edition, December 2009) available on this website.
Domestic violence fatality review teams are made up of multidisciplinary professionals. Virginia law recommends but does not mandate team membership. Recommended representation includes:
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?Confidentiality is a cornerstone of fatality review. The Code of Virginia Section 32.1-283.3 supports and protects confidential team case review. Statutory highlights include:
Domestic violence fatality review has gained prominence and momentum in the past decade. Since 1999, when the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation supporting this important work, fifteen local or regional domestic violence fatality review teams (DVFRTs) have been established in the Commonwealth.
Reports published by Virginia’s local and regional teams provide information on the victims and perpetrators in fatal homicide events, as well as the lethality factors that shaped these tragedies.
Virginia DVFRT members represent a wide variety of disciplines and experience. Collectively, they have served as leaders or members of domestic violence task forces, Coordinated Community Response Teams (CCRs), and Domestic Violence Advisory Boards; they have trained domestic violence professionals at local, state, and national conferences; they have contributed to the growing body of domestic violence research; and they have been awarded local and state recognition for their domestic violence prevention efforts.
The following thoughts on domestic violence fatality review reflect the first-hand experience of some Virginia DVFRTs:
State Resource Materials
Ten Years and Counting: The Persistence of Lethal Domestic Violence in Virginia. Final Report with Recommendations from The Fatal Domestic Violence Workgroup.
Published: December, 2010
Guidance on Using Domestic Violence Program Information during a Fatality Review.
Published: September, 2010
Domestic Violence Fatality Review: Helping communities save lives and improve systems of public health and safety. This tri-fold brochure is an introductory overview of domestic violence fatality review in Virginia.
Published: June, 2010
Family and Intimate Partner Violence Fatality Review: Team Protocol and Resource Manual. 3rd Edition. This manual is a comprehensive “how to” guide which covers the principles and practice of domestic violence fatality review. Featuring 10 chapters with quick links to ready-to-use or adapt team documents, the manual is in downloadable Word format.
Published: December, 2009
Family & Intimate Partner Violence: Fatality Review Team Protocol. 2nd Edition
Published: December, 2002
Family & Intimate Partner Violence: Fatality Review Team Protocol. 1st Edition
Published: March, 2001
QUICK LINK: Family and Intimate Partner Homicide Surveillance Reports
As part of the ongoing effort to better understand and prevent family and intimate partner violence, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner collects information on fatal family violence in Virginia, and publishes annual and other reports. More information on FIPV surveillance and data can be found here
Local and Regional Team Reports
Reports published by Virginia’s local and regional teams provide information on the victims and perpetrators in fatal homicide events, as well as the lethality factors that shaped these tragedies.
National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative (NDVFRI): The NDVFRI is a national clearinghouse and resource center dedicated to domestic violence fatality review.
http://www.ndvfri.org
A state-by-state matrix of teams across the country can be found on the NDVFRI website. These teams include:
Florida:
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
http://www.fcadv.org/projects-fatality.php
Georgia:
Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project
http://www.fatalityreview.com
Maryland:
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
http://www.mnadv.org
Minnesota:
Hennepin Domestic Fatality Review Team
http://www.amatteroflifeanddeath.org
Washington:
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
http://www.wscadv.org
In Virginia, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) provides resources, training and technical assistance to new and established domestic violence fatality review teams (DVFRTs).
ONLINE- In order to better track and serve DVFRT information needs, the OCME requests you complete this brief online form:
BY MAIL-
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
737 North Fifth Street, Suite 301
Richmond, VA 23219
BY PHONE- (804)205-3852