Domestic Violence Task Force recommends policy, training changes in new report
DALLAS -- At the request of Mayor Eric Johnson, the Domestic Violence Task Force on Wednesday released a new report that details its recommendations for reducing family violence aggravated assaults by 25% over three years.
Mayor Johnson in early March directed the Task Force to work on the recommendations to meet that goal by addressing five focus areas: police officer training, shelter space availability, transportation accessibility, education, and the identification of risk factors and obstacles for services.
In the months since Mayor Johnson made his directive, domestic violence has become a greater concern during stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Johnson said he looks forward to the discussion of the recommendations.
"Public safety is our top priority as a city government. To truly thrive, people must feel safe inside and outside of their homes," Mayor Eric Johnson said. "Domestic violence is among the most significant and unique public safety challenges we face. The City, the county, our school districts, transportation entities, nonprofits, and others can all play a part in the fight against the scourge of domestic violence."
The report, which can be read at bit.ly/DallasDVTFReport, is a call to action for the Dallas Police Department, nonprofit service providers, school districts, Dallas County, municipal judges, and other entities. Among its recommendations:
- Increase available shelter space, especially for single women.
- Provide refresher training materials for patrol officers and additional training for domestic violence detectives.
- Expand domestic violence curriculum in schools and train teachers on the curriculum.
- Call on shelters and service providers to build transportation costs for victims into their budgets.
- Hire a victims' advocate at the Dallas Police Department to assist with outreach, community education, and transportation to shelters.
- Count, study, and support survivors of near-lethal domestic violence assaults.
- Provide a Lethality Assessment Profile (LAP) to magistrate judges and probation officers.
- Audit the LAP annually to identify potential gaps.
- Reform the bond process to address potential risks posed by releasing accused abusers.
- Work to ensure domestic violence education, training, outreach, and services reflect the diverse communities in Dallas. (Note: The report this year is available in both English and Spanish).
The Domestic Violence Task Force was created in 1987 in effort to create a collaborative environment for local law enforcement, city government, representatives of the criminal justice system, and intimate partner and family violence prevention organizations to address the problems of domestic violence.
City Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates chairs the Domestic Violence Task Force.
"These recommendations represent the collaborative efforts of people and organizations across our city that serve victims of domestic violence and try to keep our families safe," Councilmember Gates said. "I am excited to present this report, and I know that working together, we can work to reduce domestic violence incidents, save lives, and ensure that justice is served."
The report's release coincides with national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is also recognized locally in Dallas. Councilmember Gates will read a portion of Mayor Johnson's proclamation of the month at Wednesday's City Council meeting.
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