Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission

The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission, authorized by MCA 2-15-2017,  does the following:

  • Examines the trends and patterns of domestic violence-related fatalities.
  • Educates the public, service providers, and policymakers about domestic violence fatalities and strategies for intervention and prevention.
  • Recommends policies, practices, and services that may encourage collaboration and reduce fatalities due to domestic violence.
  • Identifies successes and gaps in Montana’s system for protecting domestic violence victims.
  • Better coordinate multi-agency efforts to protect those most at risk of domestic homicide.

Mission 

Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission is a multi-disciplinary group of experts that studies intimate partner fatalities, identifies trends and patterns, and recommends systemic and societal improvements.

Vision Statements

  • No intimate partner violence takes place.
  • All Montanans are educated and understand why intimate partner violence occurs.
  • All Montanans recognize the presence of intimate partner violence and its impacts on victims, children, families and entire communities.
  • All Montanans take intimate partner violence and its effects seriously and have zero tolerance for it – in our homes, workplaces, and communities

Guiding Principles

  • We offer each other support and compassion.
  • We conduct the review in a positive manner with sensitivity and compassion.
  • We acknowledge, respect, and learn from the expertise and wisdom of all who participate in the review.
  • We work in honor of the victim and the victim’s family.
  • We are committed to confidentiality.
  • We avoid accusations or faultfinding.
  • We operate in a professional manner.
  • We share responsibilities and the workload.

The commission practices a “no blame/no shame” philosophy. The purpose of a fatality review is not to identify an individual or governmental authority as responsible for the deaths. Rather, these are complex cases, involving a number of individuals and variables. Domestic violence fatalities are simply not caused by any one action – or inaction – by any one person or actor.

OVS

Term Expiring 12/31/2026

  • Amy Regier, Legislator
  • Connie Harvey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Dan Murphy, Deputy, Butte Silver Bow County Law Enforcement
  • Jen Murphy, Associate for Amber Alert in Indian Country, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College
  • Kate Croft, Victim Advocate, Domestic and Sexual Violent Services

Term Expiring 12/31/2028

  • Dawn Bryant, Primary Care Coordinator, RN, SANE-A, Northern Cheyenne Service Unit
  • Dr. Jackson Bunch, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology, University of Montana
  • Dr. Julie Kelso, Psychiatrist, Riverstone Health
  • Monique Voigt, Supervising Attorney, Montana Legal Services
  • Nathan Griesse, Detective, Missoula Police Department
  • Selene Koepke, Assistant Attorney General, Montana Department of Justice

Term Expiring 12/31/2029

  • Alex Beal, JP Judge w/Justice court, DV Treatment court Judge, Missoula
  • Brittany Williams, Deputy County Attorney, Missoula
  • Cory Purves, DV specialized Prob. Officer w/ DOC
  • DawnDee Hoffman, Crime Victim Comp. Claims Analyst w/ Office of Victim Services, previous DVFR Logistics Coordinator
  • Justice Rod Souza, District Court Judge, Yellowstone County

 

The National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative, housed at the Northern Arizona University, acts as a clearinghouse and resource center dedicated to domestic violence fatality review.

Contact the Office of Victim Services

Phone: (406) 444-3653
Toll-Free: 1-800-498-6455
Fax: (406) 444-5335
E-mail: [email protected]