Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

The Baltimore county Police Department has recognized the importance of supporting the first responders’ efforts to identify and respond to potentially lethal domestic violent situations. Therefore, the Domestic Violence Lethality Screen and Protocol was developed for first responders. This consists of a screening form which offers practical methods of working with victims to assess and act upon the danger they face. When the officer assesses the situation, he or she then determines if the case is dangerous and highly lethal. When the patrol officer has the information, he or she is able to use the resources available to address the situation with immediate solutions to aid the at-risk victim. The goal is to reduce the number of potentially violent, abusive situations that face the victims of domestic abuse.