1. “Dying to be Heard” Module Two: Writing Effective Recommendations
For Domestic Violence
Fatality Review Teams

2. Desired Outcome “Yes. This makes sense. We should do it. Approved!”
Is it feasible in operative terms? Is it based on financial or people resource availability? Is it reasonable? Are there alternative resources that could be used to a lesser extent?
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3. A well-written Recommendation
Simple
Specific
Action-oriented
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4. Simple
A recommendation should be easily understood by anyone who reads it
Easy to read. No professional-related jargon. It shouldn’t be hard to decipher. Keep writing short and clear.
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5. Specific
Each recommendation should address one specific problem or issue
Keep it short and on point. Stay focused.
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6. Action-oriented
Each recommendation should be written so it identifies: 1. who is to take action 2. who will benefit from the action 3. what specifically should be done
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7. Accountability
Assigns responsibility of a team member or other individual(s) for follow-through and follow-up of a recommendation and tracking of progress on actions taken
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8. Putting It All Together: A Well-Written Recommendation
1. Key Finding: Strangulation is often one of the last abusive acts by a violent intimate partner before murder.
2. Recommendation: Enact legislation to amend the first degree assault statute to include strangulation or create a felony statute prohibiting acts of strangulation.
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9. Putting It All Together: A Well-Written Recommendation Continued
Evidence:
Research on the risks associated with non-fatal strangulation in cases of domestic violence was conducted by Glass, Laughon, Campbell, Block, Hanson, Sharps and Taliaferro (2004). This study found that prior non-fatal strangulation was a significant risk factor for attempted or completed homicide of women with prior non-fatal strangulation associated with 45% of attempted homicides and 43% of homicides.
Approximately half of the domestic violence victims screening in for high danger through the MNADV’s Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) are reporting strangulation.

10. Putting It All Together: A Well-Written Recommendation Continued
Who should take action: The Maryland Legislature
Who will benefit from the action: Victims of domestic violence who have been strangled or choked by their intimate partner.
What specifically should be done: Work to amend the definition of “serious physical injury” found in Criminal Law Article, Section 3-201(c) to add strangulation to the definition of first degree assault or enact a distinct statute similar to an Idaho statute, which prohibits acts of strangulation in family violence cases and creates a felony crime of strangulation.
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11. Putting It All Together: A Well-Written Recommendation Continued
7. Who is responsible for follow-through and follow-up of a recommendation and tracking of progress on actions taken: Jane Doe, John Deer, Mary Fawn, and other concerned residents of Maryland will form an ad hoc committee to take this issue to the Governor, Lt. Governor, Family Violence Council, Women’s Law Center of MD, elected officials, general assembly, and other interest groups who wish to see the proposed legislation passed.
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12. In Conclusion
A well-written recommendation will state a clear purpose with supporting, credible evidence and specific expectations for change that will result in a favorable outcome.
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13. For more information Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Karen Hartz, Project Manager
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