Domestic Abuse: DoD Needs to Enhance Its Prevention, Response, and Oversight
Abstract
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our report on domestic abuse prevention and response in the military, which we issued earlier this month. Domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect committed by a spouse or intimate partner, can result in devastating personal consequences and is a significant public health issue that engenders substantial societal costs. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), domestic abuse is incompatible with military values and reduces mission readiness. Domestic abuse in the military has been a subject of congressional concern for over 20 years. From 2000 through 2003, DOD convened a congressionally directed Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, which issued three reports containing nearly 200 recommendations for improvement. In 2006, we reported on the status of these recommendations, finding that further management action was needed to improve key areas, including data tracking for domestic violence incidents and related command actions. Similarly, in 2010, we found that sustained leadership and oversight were needed to improve DODs prevention and treatment of domestic abuse.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1174784
Entities
People
- Brenda S. Farrell
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office