NCJ Number
187809
Date Published
2001
Length
122 pages
Annotation
This is the initial report of the Federal Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, which was mandated under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to study domestic violence in the military and make recommendations for measures to improve the Department of Defense's response to the problem.
Abstract
The Task Force is chartered by Congress to complete its responsibilities over 3 years. This initial report covers Task Force efforts from April 2000 to January 2001. Over this period, time and distance precluded the Task Force members from conducting any research or making any comments on the prevention of and responses to domestic violence at overseas military installations. Next year's report will address these installations. This report advises that domestic violence in the military adversely affects unit readiness, and every effort must be made by the Defense Department to establish effective programs to prevent domestic violence, but when it does occur, the military has a duty to protect the victims and take appropriate action to hold offenders accountable. By statute, the Task Force is charged with preparing and submitting to the Secretary of Defense a long-term plan ("strategic plan") for establishing means by which the Department of Defense may address more effectively matters relating to domestic violence within the military. This plan must include an assessment of and recommendations for measures to improve or clarify specified areas of concern. In so doing, this report focuses on a strategic plan that encompasses community collaboration, education and training, offender accountability, and victim safety. Other sections of the report focus on a review of the Defense Department's incentive program; military department efforts to respond to domestic violence; and pending, completed, and recommended research.