Seeking Justice

Abstract

In October 1999, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV) as a 3-year effort to assist the secretary of defense in developing domestic violence prevention programs and interventions. The DTFDV began meeting in April 2000 and submitted its first report to the secretary of defense on February 28, 2001. This report included 68 recommendations addressing victim safety, offender accountability, education and training, and community collaboration. In February 2002, the DTFDV submitted its second report addressing these issues in greater detail and making an additional 86 recommendations. The National Network to End Domestic Violence reviewed the second report and addressed several key issues comments to the Department of Defense. The weaknesses of the report include its overall analysis of battering and its focus on clinical approaches to treatment and intervention. In contrast, the report has relatively strong recommendations for victim safety and confidentiality. This review examines both the strengths and weaknesses in these critical areas.