Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board

Total public member:                8          

Method of Appointment:          Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council 

Length of Appointment:           3 years

Residency:                                 Strong preference for DC residents from all 8 wards

Paid board:                              No (all roles are voluntary)

Description:

The purpose of the Board is to prevent domestic violence fatalities by improving the response of individuals, the community, and government agencies to domestic violence. The Board shall: (1) Identify and characterize the scope and nature of domestic violence fatalities in the District of Columbia; (2) Describe and record any trends, data, or patterns that are observed surrounding domestic violence fatalities; (3) Examine past events and circumstances surrounding domestic violence fatalities by reviewing records and other pertinent documents of public and private agencies responsible for investigating deaths or treating victims; (4) Develop and revise, as necessary, operating rules and procedures for review of domestic violence fatalities, including identification of cases to be reviewed, coordination among the agencies and professionals involved, and improvement of the identification, data collection, and record keeping of the causes of domestic violence fatalities; (5) Recommend systemic improvements to promote improved and integrated public and private systems serving victims of domestic violence; (6) Recommend components for prevention and education programs; and (7) Recommend training to improve the identification and investigation of domestic violence fatalities.  The Board shall prepare an annual report of findings, recommendations, and steps taken to implement recommendations. The report shall not contain information identifying any victim of domestic violence, or the victim's family members, or an alleged or suspected perpetrator of abuse upon a victim. The annual report shall be submitted to the public, the Mayor, and the Council on July 1 of each year, and shall be presented to the Council at a public hearing.

Commission membership: 

The Mayor shall appoint one representative from each of the following District agencies: (1) Metropolitan Police Department; (2) Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; (3) Office of the Corporation Counsel; (4) Department of Corrections; (5) Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department; (6) Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration; (7) Department of Health; (8) Child and Family Services Agency; and (9) Mayor's Commission on Violence Against Women. The Mayor shall appoint, or request the designation of, members from federal, judicial, and private agencies or entities with expertise in domestic violence, to include one representative from each of the following: (1) Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) Office of the Unites States Attorney for the District of Columbia; (3) District of Columbia hospitals; (4) University legal clinics; (5) Domestic violence shelters; and (6) Domestic violence advocacy organizations. The Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Council, shall appoint 8 community representatives, none of whom shall be employees of the District of Columbia.

Qualifications:  

Individuals with professional and life experience as listed above or are consumers.

If you are interested in an appointment to this board, please complete the appointment application. A member of our team will contact you to discuss the opportunity.