NCJ Number
203772
Date Published
2003
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This issue paper considers findings from case studies in two localities regarding the extent and effectiveness of military-civilian collaborations to deal with domestic violence.
Abstract
During the years 2000 through 2003, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV) conducted a review of official domestic violence policies and practices at selected military installations. The results of that review provided 168 recommendations for improving domestic violence responses, including the recommendation that military-civilian collaborations on domestic violence issues should be strengthened. As the line between military and civilian authorities is blurred in cases in which military personnel live within or at least mingle with civilian communities, the DOD agreed to help promote collaborative relationships to address domestic violence. Two cases studies were undertaken to evaluate the state of preliminary military-civilian collaborations on domestic violence. These cases studies took place in Anchorage, AK, and San Diego, CA. Eleven main lessons emerged the from case studies with regard to the effectiveness of military-civilian collaborations; the remainder of the article discusses each of the 11 lessons and makes recommendations for improving collaborative efforts to address domestic violence. The 11 lessons include the fact that formalized memorandums of understanding can strengthen collaborative relationships; civilian-military liaison positions can improve collaboration; domestic violence problems must be viewed as a high priority by both military command and civilian authorities; payment to civilian batterer intervention programs should be made for military personnel utilizing such services; educational materials explaining installation services and victims’ rights within the military are needed; information about the military implications of the Federal gun control law would reduce inconsistencies; formal procedures should be put in place for civilians to identify domestic violence cases and notify military personnel; agreements should be put in place to address victim confidentiality; collaboration conferences for civilian and military representatives would strengthen collaborative efforts; training for civilian and military personnel on both domestic violence and collaborative relationships would be helpful; and special attention should be paid to shared jurisdictions on military installations. Finally, the author asserts that a data collection strategy on domestic violence incidents involving service members is imperative to evaluating the effectiveness of domestic violence intervention programs. Endnotes