Domestic Violence Issues

The Attorney General’s office has one attorney that is specifically dedicated to work involving issues of domestic violence. This work goes beyond actual prosecution of cases and encompasses policy formulation on a statewide level. This attorney is active on the following committees connected with domestic violence issues: Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission (housed in the Attorney General’s Office and chaired by this attorney); Child Fatality Review Committee; Domestic Violence and the Workplace Initiative; Council on Domestic Violence; Advisory Council on Domestic Violence for Social and Rehabilitation Services; Kids Legislative Strategy Committee; Project Safe Neighborhoods; Elder Abuse and Death Investigation Committee; Amber Alert Advisory Group and STOP Advisory Team. The Attorney plays an active role in related legislative efforts such as the legislation that created the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission and the recent legislative amendment to the mandatory reporting law to include clergy. This attorney also coordinates the local domestic violence prosecutors statewide. The attorney hosts quarterly meetings and trainings for these prosecutors and distributes relevant case law and legislative and administrative updates.

In addition the Criminal Division’s Trial and Investigative Unit prosecutes cases of misdemeanor and felony level domestic violence, including homicides. The Appellate Unit handles appeals involving domestic violence cases referred by local prosecutors. The Attorney General’s Office also provides training related to domestic violence and sexual assault and consults with local prosecutors on domestic violence matters.

The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission’s Report from January of 2004 can be accessed by clicking here – (This report and the report from 2003 are also listed in the Report Section of the AG’s web page). In addition, a Case Referral Form for the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission can be accessed by clicking here.

See below for additional related links on domestic violence.

Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services
Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Vermont Commission on Women
Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council
Vermont Refugee Resettlement program
Vermont Crime Information Center
Vermont's Safe At Home Program
Vermont's Department of Children and Familes
Vermont's Department of Aging and Disabilities
Family Violence Prevention Fund
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Office on Violence Against Women
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Bureau of Justice Statistics
American Bar Association - Commission on Domestic Violence