MEMBERS: Paul J. Noto (Co-Chair), Lois Bronz (Co-Chair), Amy Paulin

STAFF: Dolores Heredia

GUEST(S): Carolyn Hedlund (Domestic Violence Council)

The meeting commenced at 12:10 PM. Leg. Noto opened the discussion by stating that the Task Force wished to follow-up on the Domestic Violence Council. Ms. Hedlund stated that the Council established five (5) working committees (Police Committee, Judiciary Committee, Victims and Survivors Committee, Medical Social Services Committee, and Data Committee). The policy reason for establishing these committees was to broaden community involvement. The Council and its committees have been meeting monthly. The Council has asked each of the committees to identify important issues and give specific responses on how they would address these issues. The intent is to prioritize these issues into a single report. According to Ms. Hedlund, the committees’ work is slower than the council had hoped. However, she noted that this is not atypical for committees that are first coming together and forming an identity of their own. Specific committee concerns that have arisen are:

• ways in which the courts handle and dispose of domestic violence cases;
• lack of statistical data and coordination of data in their systems;
• proper training of the judges, police, and the medical community;
• recognition of domestic violence in all systems and appropriate follow through within the system; and
• the need to identify "true system issues" versus individual failures of a system.

Next Ms. Hedlund discussed the Council members. Currently six (6) members of the Council are awaiting reappointment. Mark Dillon who served as co-chair and as a representative judge from a local court was not reelected and thus not reappointed. Ms. Hedlund stated that the lack of appointments has not helped the Council. Leg. Noto inquired whether there was a written list of all members who have not been reappointed. Ms. Hedlund stated she would forward the names to the Task Force.

Next Leg. Noto questioned whether the response from the judiciary has been positive, and whether the judges have been more sensitized to domestic violence issues. Ms. Hedlund stated that Judicial committee has been one of the most active committees. Leg. Bronz inquired what other help can the Task Force offer. Ms. Hedlund stated that the structural changes were needed. Ms. Hedlund noted that the creation of the Council has been positive and it is sending the message that this is a community issue and an important issue.

Next Ms. Paulin questioned whether there should be a victim representative on the Council. Ms. Hedlund stated that she personally supported this idea but noted that it might not be the opinion of the entire council. Ms. Paulin suggested that the legislation may be amended to include people who are "survivors". The Task Force agreed this would be a good idea. Finally, Mrs. Paulin inquired where should the Task Force go from here. Ms. Hedlund restated that the immediate appointment of the Council members would be the best first step.

Finally the Task Force reviewed the minutes of February 4, 1998,

Mrs. Paulin moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [2-0] (Leg. Bronz out for vote). The meeting ended on 12:45 PM.