The Fatality Review Commission, authorized by MCA 2-15-2017, seeks to reduce homicides caused by family violence. The Commission meets twice yearly to review closed domestic homicide cases.

The review seeks to:

• Identify gaps in Montana’s system for protecting domestic violence victims
• Better coordinate multi-agency efforts to protect those most at risk of domestic homicide

After consulting with the Attorney General, the Commission determines which cases it will review. The Office of Victim Services coordinates the Commission’s work.

The Attorney General appoints Commission members from representatives of involved federal, state and private agencies, the medical and mental health community, law enforcement and the courts, Native Americans, the legislature and the MT Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Commission Members:

Native American Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Members:

Biennial Report – While the Commission meetings and records are confidential, state law requires it to publish a report detailing its findings and recommendations.

• 2017 Report (PDF)
• 2015 Report (PDF)
• 2013 Report (PDF)
• 2011 Report (PDF)
• 2009 Report (PDF)
• 2007 Report (PDF)
• 2005 Report (PDF)

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.

The Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO), based in Chicago, profiled the work of the commission in a 20-minute movie. The film explores and explains the process the commission follows when it conducts a review. The film is available here on the group’s website.

Contact

For further information about the Fatality Review Commission, contact: