Elfreth, Evans Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Domestic Violence-Related Homicides
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) introduced the bipartisan Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act. The legislation would authorize a national training and technical assistance center to support the promotion and adoption of lethality assessment programs (LAPs) in an effort to reduce domestic violence-related homicides.
“Research consistently shows that intimate partner homicide is often preceded by a history of abuse or controlling behavior, rather than occurring as the first act of violence. With thousands of these deaths each year, far too often, we miss the signs of intimate partner homicide. The Lethality Assessment Program, developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, is one of the best tools that law enforcement and community partners have to identify intimate partner violence and save lives,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “I’m introducing the Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act with Rep. Evans to take what we developed and learned in Maryland and help states across the country reduce domestic violence-related homicides.”
“As a former police officer, I’ve seen firsthand how lethality assessment programs help identify the most dangerous domestic violence situations, interrupt the cycle of violence, and connect victims with life-saving support. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Elfreth to ensure these proven, essential programs across the country have the tools, training, and resources they need to help prevent tragedies and save lives,” said Congressman Gabe Evans.
“Kansas was a pioneer in lethality assessment and related training in domestic violence cases. I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan approach to build on those efforts in a way that can save lives by supporting ongoing work nationwide,” said Congressman Derek Schmidt.
The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is one of only two models of evidence-based intimate partner homicide prevention to be honored as a “promising practice” by the Department of Justice. Developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence in 2005, the purpose of the LAP is to help law enforcement officers and community professionals identify victims of intimate partner violence who are at high risk of being killed by their partners and to connect them immediately with local domestic violence services. The LAP includes a series of questions for law enforcement officers to identify high-danger victims and trigger a referral to local domestic violence services. By connecting victims to resources and assistance, the LAP closes the gap between victims and the services they need. This immediate handoff to a service provider distinguishes the LAP from other homicide prevention models and is a key to its effectiveness.
Since the creation of the program, at least 37 states have implemented some sort of lethality assessment program. However, there still is not one unified center for different models to get trained or receive technical assistance. The legislation will authorize the Attorney General to establish the first national training and technical assistance center to support states in adopting and standardizing LAPs.
This bill is supported by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
“Funding that supports the adoption of Lethality Assessment Programs is an investment in lives. LAP gives law enforcement a proven, research-based tool to identify domestic violence victims who are at the greatest risk of serious injury or death—before it’s too late. This program works. The more jurisdictions that adopt it, the more lives we will save. Creating a national training and technical assistance center focused on LAP will ensure this life-saving approach is implemented effectively and consistently across the country. We already have the tools to make our communities safer. Now we need to put them in the hands of law enforcement everywhere,” said Jennifer Pollitt Hill, Executive Director of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence.
“Domestic and sexual violence frequently occur together, with perpetrators often using both forms of abuse to maintain power and control. By helping first responders recognize these overlapping risks and connect survivors to lifesaving support The Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Act strengthens prevention and saves lives before violence escalates,” said Omny Miranda Martone, Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA).
“The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is proud to support the Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act. Lethality assessments save lives by helping first responders quickly identify survivors at the highest risk and connect them to advocates and vital services. We are grateful for Representative Elfreth for introducing this bill and for her ongoing commitment to keeping survivors safe,” said Tonia Moultry-Pace, NNEDV Interim President & CEO.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02).
The full bill text is available HERE.
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