FAQs for Conducting a Fatality Review

FAQs

What is the purpose of a fatality review? The primary goals are to:

• Enhance victim safety and perpetrator accountability
• Identify gaps in the community's response to domestic violence
• Develop recommendations for systemic changes to prevent future fatalities

What type of cases are reviewed?

• Closed cases where the criminal justice system has identified the perpetrator
• Domestic violence-related homicides, as well as near-fatalities and suicides
• Cases that occurred within the past 3-5 years

Who participates on the fatality review team?

• Representatives from key community agencies and systems, such as law enforcement, courts, social services, advocacy, healthcare, and more
• The team should be multi-disciplinary and diverse in its membership

How is confidentiality maintained?

• Team members sign confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive case information
• No individually identifying information is included in public reports

What does the review process involve?

• Gather relevant case records and documents
• Conduct interviews with family/friends of the victim
• Develop a detailed chronology of events
• Review the case as a team, identify gaps and barriers
• Formulate findings and recommendations for change
• Monitor implementation of recommended actions

How are recommendations implemented?

• Findings and recommendations are shared with the larger community task force
• Team members work to enact policy/practice changes within their own agencies
• Progress on implementation is tracked and reported on over time

What is the role of state-level coordinators?

• Provide training, technical assistance, and resources to local review teams
• Facilitate collaboration and sharing of best practices across teams