Domestic violence: death review teams.
The enactment of SB 863 contributes to the state’s legal framework by enhancing the understanding and management of domestic violence-related incidents. The bill mandates the Attorney General to develop a comprehensive protocol regarding these review teams by 2025, which includes recommendations for both urban and rural counties. This protocol is expected to streamline processes among various agencies involved in domestic violence cases, which could potentially lead to improved responses and outcomes for victims and their families.
Senate Bill 863 addresses domestic violence within California by amending several sections of the Penal Code focused on the establishment of interagency domestic violence death review teams. This bill expands the previously authorized teams to now include the review of near-death cases in addition to domestic violence deaths such as homicides and suicides. The aim of these review teams is to improve agency communication in identifying and dealing with incidents of domestic violence more effectively, thereby nurturing a collective approach towards prevention and intervention strategies.
The general sentiment surrounding SB 863 is largely positive, especially from organizations and advocates working in the domestic violence prevention sector. Supporters view the extension of the review teams to encompass near-death cases as a vital acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding domestic violence incidents. However, concerns have been raised regarding the confidentiality of processes pertaining to near-death reviews, with some fear that the balance between sharing necessary information for reviews and protecting survivor privacy could be challenging to maintain.
Notably, the bill includes stipulations that near-death reviews cannot commence until after any related prosecution has concluded, aiming to prevent the involuntary participation of near-death survivors in team investigations. This provision is crucial to protect the rights and recovery of survivors. However, this aspect has been the focal point of debate, with some arguing that it may inadvertently hinder timely responses and reviews critical for implementing effective domestic violence interventions.