ABSTRACT
Research identifying risk factors for domestic or family homicides has grown during the past several decades and has been transformative in establishing jurisdictional domestic violence death reviews (DVDRs) to inform further prevention interventions. At the core, DVDRs retrospectively examine system and human factors within the circumstances of domestic or family violence-related deaths. This chapter briefly describes the rise of these initiatives, their overall objectives, and how models vary across jurisdictions. Key decisions to be considered when establishing such initiatives are also discussed given their significant implications for the research that results. Some key challenges that continue to face DVDRs are highlighted, including innovative responses that have evolved to respond to those challenges. Finally, the opportunities that DVDRs continue to present for strengthening prevention efforts are highlighted, including actual and potential impacts for strengthening policy and practice as well as contributing to education and awareness. It concludes with a call for systematic research on the local, regional, and global impacts of DVDRs that will allow them to achieve their full potential for prevention of domestic violence and homicide.
