The Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative with Vulnerable Populations (CDHPIVP) has released a learning brief on the role and benefits of Domestic Violence Death Review Committees (DVDRCs). These initiatives are comprised of a multidisciplinary team of experts who review deaths that have occurred in the context of domestic violence to identify risk factors and recommendations for system improvement to prevent future homicides. DVDRCs have been established in six of thirteen provinces and territories in Canada, as well as four countries internationally. The brief covers a variety of topics including variations in definitions of domestic homicide across DVDRCs, secondary victimization, and the inclusion/exclusion of family members in the review process. The brief also provides an overview of research findings from DVDRC data, including findings related to rural communities, perpetrator risk assessment, mental health issues, older populations, and children. The CDHPIVP is a five-year national partnership grant funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council and is co-directed by Drs. Myrna Dawson, CSSLRV Director, and Peter Jaffe, Western University. The overall goal of the project is to explore the unique needs and risk factors experience by Indigenous, Immigrant and Refugee, Rural, Remote, and Northern communities, as well as children exposed to domestic violence. The project involves collaboration among more than 40 partners nationwide including community service organizations, government departments, and universities.
