Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault was created by the 2000 General Assembly (KRS 403.700). The 39-member council was established to plan and direct legal, protection and support services related to domestic violence and sexual assault and to increase public awareness of the prevalence and impact of these crimes.

Council members include government officials and gubernatorial appointees. Membership emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach with the inclusion of legislators, judges, clerks, prosecutors, law enforcement, social workers, health and mental health professionals, advocates for rape and domestic violence victims, child advocates and community representatives.

The council's enabling statute specifies that the council's duties include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting coordination among agencies and officials responsible for addressing domestic violence and sexual assault;
• Determining the availability of services for victims, child witnesses of domestic violence and sexual assault, and offenders;
• Facilitating development of local domestic violence councils and sexual assault response teams including publication of model protocols, training and technical assistance;
• Promoting community awareness and prevention of domestic and sexual violence;
• Providing assistance in development of training curricula, treatment programs and model policies related to domestic violence and sexual assault for criminal justice and human services professions and advocates;
• Reviewing and analyzing data and information collected by criminal justice, social services and other agencies relating to domestic violence and sexual assault;
• Recommending changes in state programs, legislation, administrative regulations, policies, budgets and treatment and service standards related to domestic violence and sexual assault; and
• Preparing a biennial report to be submitted to the governor, the Legislative Research Commission and the chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

The statute further provides that the council is to be attached to the Office of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Services and that the secretaries for the Justice Cabinet and Cabinet for Health and Family Services will provide necessary staff to assist the council in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. 

The council is further directed by law to establish any committees necessary to carry out its duties. The previous council coordinated its efforts through seven sub-committees addressing criminal justice, civil remedies, training, prevention, domestic violence protective orders, offender treatment and local councils and teams that relate to domestic violence and rape. Each committee is made up of council members and other professionals and advocates with expertise in sexual assault and domestic violence issues.

The council also oversees the Sexual Assault Response Team Advisory Committee.