Fatality Review Methodology

The Methodology of Fatality Review in Georgia

There are several components that comprise a successful fatality review. These components include forming strategic Teams of representatives from community agencies to work together to prevent fatalities from domestic violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The Teams select fatality cases that are currently closed and collect as much pertinent information as possible regarding the victim and perpetrator. A chronology is then developed by the Team, which documents all known instances of abuse between the victim and perpetrator and their involvement with any agencies or systems. Information is collected from a variety of sources, including open records from district attorney’s offices and interviews with family and friends of the victim. The Teams then review the chronology, critically examining the events leading up to the homicide and identifying gaps in community service delivery. Recommendations are then developed to create a system of community agencies that can best serve victims of domestic violence and prevent future fatalities. Teams and Family Violence Task Forces then focus on implementing their recommendations to effectively bring about meaningful change in their communities.

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