The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, in its most recent report released on July 22, 2011, has found that in the vast majority of fatalities reviewed, the victim did not reach out to their local domestic violence agency for help. This troubling news comes as a result of a comprehensive and extensive assessment of circumstances related to domestic violence deaths in Connecticut and provides concrete action steps for improvement.  

The 15-member examination team - made up of representatives from CCADV, law enforcement, the Office of the Chief's State's Attorney, the Office of Victim of Services, Survivors of Homicide, Office of the Child Advocate and Department of Correction - works to prevent future deaths by conducting multi-disciplinary, systemic examinations of violent intimate partner fatalities. Through its examinations, the group also determined that children, in all but one case reviewed, were present when the fatality occurred, including children not related to the family.  Other findings reveal that gunshot wounds were the number one cause of death in all domestic violence fatalities. This, coupled with existence of a consistent group of precipitating factors, has led the team to recommend initiatives to strengthen training and communication to law enforcement and other professionals in the legal, medical and education professions. Identified factors which precipitated the murder of domestic violence victims include a divorce, break-up of the relationship or loss of parental/custodial rights.

CCADV has plans to immediately take concrete action on these findings, as well as others, according to Karen Jarmoc, Interim Executive Director.  The statewide coalition, in collaboration with its 18-member programs will assess its communication strategies and initiate a public information campaign to heighten awareness regarding the availability of and access to domestic violence services.   Jarmoc said that CCADV will commence the campaign this fall. CCADV has already begun plans to work with lead child advocates in the state to develop and implement early intervention strategies for children exposed to domestic violence. These efforts, coupled with work to amend current state statute aimed at helping victims, including children will serve to strengthen Connecticut's response to domestic violence, said Jarmoc.

The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee works to prevent  future deaths by conducting multi-disciplinary, systemic examinations of violent intimate partner fatalities.  The Committee’s objectives are to enhance the safety of victims and accountability of batterers, to identify systemic gaps and barriers to service, to implement coordinated community responses and to influence public policy for the intervention and prevention of domestic violence.The Committee brings together key individuals in social service, medical, education, advocacy and justice systems for detailed examinations of domestic violence fatalities.  The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee does not and will not assign blame for fatalities to individuals, agencies or institutions.  The perpetrator of the homicide is assumed to be ultimately responsible for the fatality.  Rather than investigate these fatalities, the Committee conducts a reflective review by creating an environment conducive to open and honest conversations for the purpose of effecting positive change. The Committee focuses on community responses to domestic violence such as services, policy, practice, training, information, communication, collaboration and resources.

Click here for the full report.