Abstract
The purpose of this study was to recognize possible barriers in the prevention of domestic homicide and further incidents of domestic violence. Respondents were chosen based on their professional role in responding to domestic violence incidents and expertise in domestic violence intervention. Respondents were asked about specific methods of intervention that would be helpful in preventing domestic homicide, how barriers to effective prevention could be removed or improved, and to what extent domestic violence court would assist in preventing domestic homicide if it was implemented in their respective county. Respondents offered various suggestions as to what might constitute effective domestic violence response. Changes among services offered were narrowed down to interventions specifically with the partner using violence, the partner experiencing violence, and overall changes in service implementation. The most significant factors in preventing domestic violence and domestic homicide identified by the professionals interviewed included: offender accountability, victim voice and safety, and the importance of collaboration among the professionals involved in order to achieve similar desired outcomes.