December 22, 2014
Las Vegas, NV – General Masto released the Domestic Violence Fatality Review second annual report today, which provides an update of the previous year’s recommendations, and highlights the progress of the three teams, including the statewide, Clark and Washoe County teams. The report includes 32 new recommendations that will be submitted to the Nevada Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence for implementation.
“The Domestic Violence Fatality Review teams have worked diligently to assess current protocols and improve services with the intent of reducing, if not eliminating, domestic violence fatalities in this state,” said Masto. “This report reflects action taken on the 2013 goals and new recommendations to improve services to victims of domestic violence across disciplines.”
The
multidisciplinary review teams compile information to review deaths related to
domestic violence. Through these reviews, teams identify indications of
escalating levels of violence, and develop recommendations to improve systems
designed to protect victims of domestic violence. The process is
instrumental to reducing the number of deaths related to domestic violence.
Since the last report in April 2013, the three teams conducted ten case reviews: four from Clark County, four from Washoe County and two from the statewide team. The reviews culminated in a statewide domestic violence fatality review meeting to discuss the review process and identify both successes and challenges.
Recommendations from the 2014 report include:
- Implement a “Coordinated Community Response” to domestic violence to ensure communication between agencies and improved systems for prevention of domestic violence and protection of victims.
- Make efforts for early and consistent contact with victims to ensure their safety and cooperation in apprehending and prosecuting the suspects.
- Explore options to develop a statewide data system that will identify and track domestic violence arrests, convictions, sentencing and recidivism.
To read the report, click here. The Attorney General’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team became effective October 2011 (NRS 228.495). It allows the Attorney General to create multidisciplinary teams to review fatalities related to domestic violence in areas where no local team existed or where the local court or agency requests the assistance of the Attorney General.
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