Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Feminist Reflection on Domestic Violence Death Reviews

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Domestic Homicides and Death Reviews

Abstract

This reflection argues that we cannot measure the success of Domestic Violence Death Review Committees (DVDRCs), or the optimal forms and rules to govern them, without resort to feminist knowledge and practice around male violence against women and intimate femicide. An independent, feminist antiviolence movement is critical to the work of DVDRCs: “it is difficult for insiders to take on social change issues without the political support of broader mobilization” (Htun and Weldon 2012: 553). The work of DVDRCs is overwhelmingly focused on the deaths of women, since women account for the vast majority of domestic violence deaths—84% of such deaths in Canada (Statistics Canada 2015: Table A-05). Institutions, individuals, and the public cannot make the changes needed to promote women’s safety and freedom by using official knowledge, gender neutrality, and governmental organs that are neither transparent nor accountable to the real experts—women who work on the frontline.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Action-Research-Change (2014). Report on the Implementation of The Domestic Violence Death Review Recommendations 2007–2011 (Ottawa, Ontario).

    Google Scholar 

  • Advocacy after Fatal Domestic Abuse (2016). http://aafda.org.uk.

  • Alabama Statewide Statutes (2009). 2009-656, p. 2017, ss 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alaska Statewide Statutes (2012). Domestic Violence Fatality Teams. A.S. 18.66.400.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alberta Family Violence Death Review Committee (2015). Annual Report to the Minister of Human Services 2014/15 (Edmonton, Alberta).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonisteel, M., & Green, L. (2005). “Implications of the Shrinking Space for Feminist Anti-Violence Advocacy”, Conference Paper Presented at the Social Welfare Policy Conference, Forging Social Futures. (Fredericton, New Brunswick).

    Google Scholar 

  • British Columbia Association of Specialized Victim Assistance and Counselling Programs, BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses, & BC Institute Against Family Violence (2007). Critical Elements of an Effective Response to Violence against Women. Briefing Document. (Issue: Establishment of a Domestic Violence Death Review Committee).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bugeja, L. et al. (2013). “The Implementation of Domestic Violence Death Reviews in Australia”. Homicide Studies 17(4): 353–374.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bugeja, L. et al. (2015). “Domestic/Family Death Reviews: An International Comparison”. Trauma, Violence and Abuse 16(2): 179–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burns, L. (2016). “Lethal Consequences: Failure of Police Oversight and Accountability in Reports of Violence against Women – The Case of Ashley Boudreau”. Unpublished paper on file with the author.

    Google Scholar 

  • California Statewide Statutes (2012). Ss 11163.3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crawford, M., R. Gartner & Women We Honour Action Committee (1992). Woman Killing: Intimate Femicide in Ontario 1974–1990. (Toronto: Women We Honour Action Committee).

    Google Scholar 

  • Crawford, M., R. Gartner, M. Dawson & Women We Honour Action Committee (1997). Woman Killing: Intimate Femicide in Ontario 1990–1994. (Toronto: Women We Honour Action Committee).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dale, M. (2007) “New Trends & Best Practices in Fatality Review”. Fatality Review Bulletin Fall: 8–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dale, M. (2010). “Domestic Violence Fatality Review in Indian Country”. Fatality Review Bulletin Spring: 8–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delaware Statewide Statutes (2013). Title 13, Domestic Relations, Chapter 21, Domestic Violence Co-ordinating Council, ss 2015 Fatal Incident Reviews.

    Google Scholar 

  • District of Columbia (2002). Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act of 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doe, J. (2014). Analysis of Domestic Violence Death Related Cases Occurring in Colorado Between 1999 and 2009 as Reviewed by the Denver Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee (Denver: University of Colorado).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, J. (2010). Up to us. Lessons Learned and Goals for Change After 13 Years of the Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review. (Seattle: Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

    Google Scholar 

  • Findlay, T. (2015). Femocratic Administration: Gender, Democracy and Governance in Ontario. (Toronto: University of Toronto Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gartner, R., Dawson, M., & Crawford, M. (2002). “Woman Killing: Intimate Femicide in Ontario 1974–1994”, in K. McKenna & J. Larkin, eds, Violence Against Women: New Canadian Perspectives. (Toronto: Inanna Publications).

    Google Scholar 

  • Georgia Commission on Family Violence & Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2015). Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project 12th Annual Report. (Atlanta, Georgia).

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, L., & Epstein, D. (2008). Listening to Battered Women: A Survivor-Centred Approach to Advocacy, Mental Health, and Justice. (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Healey, et al. (2008). Building the Evidence: A Report on the Status of Policy and Practice in Responding to Violence Against Women with Disabilities in Victoria. (Victoria: Women’s Health Victoria and Victorian Women with Disabilities Network).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobart, M. (2004). Advocates and Fatality Reviews. (Seattle: Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobart, M. (2005). Suggested Guidelines for Advocates Participating in Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews. (Seattle: Washington State Coalition against Domestic Violence).

    Google Scholar 

  • Htun, M., & Weldon, S. L. (2012). “The Civic Origins of Progressive Policy Change: Combatting Violence Against Women in a Global Perspective, 1975–2005”. American Political Science Review 106(3): 548–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team (2009). Biennial Report. Calendar Years 2007–2008. (Report to the Governor, Supreme Court, Attorney General and General Assembly, Des Moines, Iowa).

    Google Scholar 

  • MacKinnon, C. (1987). Feminism Unmodified. (Boston: Harvard University Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel (2004). Till Death Do Us Part. Domestic Violence Homicides in Maine. (Augusta, Maine).

    Google Scholar 

  • Manitoba Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (2014). Annual Report 2013–14. (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann, R. (2008). “Men’s Rights and Feminist Advocacy in Canadian Domestic Violence Policy Arenas: Contexts, Dynamics and Outcomes of Anti-Feminist Backlash”. Feminist Criminology 3(1): 44–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, R. M. (2016). “The Harper Government’s New Right Neoliberal Agenda and the Dismantling of Status of Women Canada and the Family Violence Initiative”. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy 5(2): 50–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (2016). The 2015 Femicide Report. (St Paul, Minnesota).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M. (2016). “For International Women’s Day, Women’s Groups Demand Justice for Indigenous Women”. Feminist Current Online. http://www.feministcurrent.com/2016/03/08/for-international-womens-day-womens-groups-demand-justice-for-indigenous-women/.

  • Native Women’s Association of Canada (2009). Voices of Our Sisters in Spirit: A Report to Families and Communities 2d ed. (Oshweken, ON: Native Women’s Association of Canada).

    Google Scholar 

  • Native Women’s Association of Canada (2010). What Their Stories Tell Us: Research Findings from the Sisters in Spirit Initiative. (Oshweken, ON: Native Women’s Association of Canada).

    Google Scholar 

  • New Brunswick Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (2013). Recommendations from the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee 2012–2013. (Fredericton, New Brunswick).

    Google Scholar 

  • New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee (2002). Second Annual Report. (Concord, New Hampshire).

    Google Scholar 

  • New Zealand Family Violence Death Review Committee (2014) (2015). Annual Report. (New Zealand: Health Quality & Safety Commission).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (2003). Hadley Jury Recommendations: http://www.oaith.ca/assets/files/Publications/Hadley-Jury-Recommendations.pdf.

  • Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (2002) (2003) (2004). Annual Report to the Chief Coroner: Case Reviews of Domestic Violence Deaths. (Toronto, ON).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (2006) (2007) (2008) (2012) (2014) (2015). Annual Report of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. (Toronto: Office of the Chief Coroner).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2015). 2015 Domestic Violence Fatality Report. (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania).

    Google Scholar 

  • Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Panel (2010). Report of the Queensland Domestic Violence and Death Review Panel. (Brisbane, Queensland).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ready, C. (2016). Shelter in a Storm: Revitalizing Feminism in Neoliberal Ontario. (Vancouver: UBC Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Regan, L. E. A., (2007). ‘If Only We’d Known’: An Exploratory Study of Seven Intimate Partner Homicides in Engleshire. Final Report to the Engleshire Domestic Violence Homicide Review Group. (London: Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit).

    Google Scholar 

  • Richie, B. (2000). “A Black Feminist Reflection on the Antiviolence Movement”. Signs 25(4): 1133–1137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sampson, F. (2003). “The Coroner’s Inquest as an Equality Rights Mechanism: A Case Study of the Male/Iles Inquest into Domestic Violence in Ontario”. Journal of Law and Social Policy 18(1): 75–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • San Francisco’s Response to Domestic Violence: The Charan Investigation 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santa Clara Death Review Committee Final Report 1993–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, K. I. (2016). Counting Dead Women. https://kareningalasmith.com/counting-dead-women/.

  • South Australia Coroner’s Research Position (2016). https://www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au/womens-policy/womens-safety/coroners-research-position.

  • Stark, E. (2007). Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. (New York: Oxford University Press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Starr, K., Hobart, M., & Fawcett, J. (2004). Findings and Recommendations from the Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review. (Seattle: Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

    Google Scholar 

  • Statistics Canada (2015). Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile, 2013. (Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics).

    Google Scholar 

  • Storer, L. S. E. A. (2013). “Domestic Violence Fatality Review: Can it Mobilize Community-Level Change?”. Homicide Studies 17(4): 418–435.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swiss, L., Fallon, K. M., & Burgos, G. (2012). “Does Critical Mass Matter? Women’s Political Representation and Child Health in Developing Countries”. Social Forces 91(2): 531–558.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Texas Council on Family Violence (2015). Honoring Texas Victims. Family Violence Fatalities in 2014. (Austin, Texas).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, R. H. (2004). “Fatality Review Teams and Working with the Media”. Fatality Review Bulletin 2(4): 7–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Kingdom Home Office (2013). Terms of Reference. Domestic Homicide Review Quality Assurance Panel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandervort, L. (2012). “Lawful Subversion of the Criminal Justice Process? Judicial, Prosecutorial, and Police Discretion in Edmondson, Kindrat, and Brown”, in E. Sheehy, ed, Sexual Assault in Canada: Law, Legal Process and Women’s Activism. (Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press, 2012), 111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Victoria (2009). Coroner’s Act 2008. (Victoria).

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdict of the Coroner’s Jury (May/Iles). (July 2, 1998). (Toronto: Ministry of the Solicitor General).

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdict of the Coroner’s Jury (Hadley/Hadley). (February 8, 2002). (Toronto: Ministry of the Solicitor General).

    Google Scholar 

  • Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review (2004). Every Life Lost is a Call for Change. (Seattle: Washington State Coalition Against Family Violence).

    Google Scholar 

  • Watt, K. E. (2010). Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams: Collaborative Efforts to End Intimate Partner Femicide. Thesis. (D. Phil. Psychology, University of Urbana-Champaign).

    Google Scholar 

  • Websdale, N. (2003). “Reviewing Domestic Violence Deaths.” National Institute of Justice 250: 26–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Websdale, N. (2005). “R & B: A Conversation between a Researcher and a Battered Woman about Domestic Violence Fatality Review.” Violence Against Women 11(9): 1186–1200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wielgus, L. (2010). “National Trends and New Developments in Fatality Review”. Fatality Review Bulletin 2, Online: NDVFRI.org http://www.ndvfri.org/newsletters/NDVFRI_Newsletter_2010Summer.pdf.

  • Wilson, J. S., & Websdale, N. (2006). “Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams: An Interprofessional Model to Reduce Deaths”. Journal for Interprofessional Care 20(5): 535–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zannettino, L. et al. (2013). Improving Responses to Refugees with Backgrounds of Multiple Trauma: Pointers for Practitioners in Domestic and Family Violence, Sexual Assault and Settlement Services. (Sydney: Australian Domestic & Family Violence Clearinghouse).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Jenny Prosser (JD University of Ottawa 2015) for her extensive and careful research. The author also benefitted from the expertise and generosity of Leighann Burns, Julia Tolmie, and Myrna Dawson, and two anonymous reviewers. All errors and omissions remain the author’s responsibility.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vice Dean Research, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Elizabeth Sheehy

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Sheehy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth Sheehy .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sociology & Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Myrna Dawson

Copyright information

© 2017 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sheehy, E. (2017). A Feminist Reflection on Domestic Violence Death Reviews. In: Dawson, M. (eds) Domestic Homicides and Death Reviews. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56276-0_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56276-0_13

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-56275-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-56276-0

  • eBook Packages: Law and CriminologyLaw and Criminology (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation