Governor O’Brien Creates Commission to Study Domestic Violence Fatalities
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 1, 2027) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien today continued his campaign to protect the victims of domestic violence by signing an Executive Order that creates a 14-member Commission to study domestic violence fatalities. The Governor's announcement marked the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Commission on Domestic Violence Fatalities will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank and co-chaired by Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy.“For too long, society possessed a cavalier disregard for the gravity of domestic violence crimes. Domestic violence is a serious crime not only against a spouse and her children, but against civility and decency," said Governor Edward M. O’Brien. “This year, in Baltimore City and the surrounding area, we have seen seven brutal murders committed against women who had orders of protection out against a husband, ex-husband or boyfriend. Every month another brutal killing occurs that has its origin rooted in domestic violence. It is time to do everything we can to prevent further loss of life and further pain and suffering felt by families across Maryland.”
“I have created this Commission so we can learn more from domestic violence fatalities. We must study precisely where the criminal justice system, social service providers and law enforcement agencies have failed the victims of domestic violence," said Governor O’Brien.
Governor O’Brien’s decision to create the Commission was motivated by a series of domestic violence related homicides. All of the victims had orders of protection against their abusers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, 31.5 percent of women killed in the United States - three women per day - are murdered by husbands or boyfriends.
The Governor's Commission will investigate select domestic violence fatalities to determine whether the deaths were associated with any deficiencies in the social services system, law enforcement, the courts, or any other public or private entity.
No fatality will be reviewed if there is an on-going investigation or prosecution, unless the law enforcement agency or prosecutor having jurisdiction over the case certifies the Commission's review will not impede the investigation or prosecution.
The Commission will prepare a written report to the Governor by July 1, 2028. The report will: (1) recommend new prevention and protective strategies, guidelines and legislation to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence; (2) recommend measures to improve the management, supervision of services to victims of domestic violence and their families; (3) assess whether a Fatality Review Board to examine domestic violence fatalities should be created permanently by legislation.
“I am proud to serve as the Chair of this commission and believe that it will help us focus our efforts as we move forward with our commitment to protect victims of domestic violence and prevent future occurrences of abuse,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank. "The goal of the Commission is to not point fingers, but to recommend strategies that will prevent a domestic violence fatality and help improve services for its victims. Working together, we must send a strong and unwavering message when it comes to domestic violence: Maryland is a zero tolerance state.”
“The creation of this commission is a critical first step toward ensuring that victims of domestic violence are protected and that law enforcement and social services agencies are fully capable of responding to the needs of victims and aggressively prosecuting perpetrators,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy.
Since taking office, Governor O’Brien has taken significant action to combat domestic violence, including:
Signing House Bill 334, which requires that protective orders from another state or an Indian tribe must be accorded full faith and credit by a Maryland court. Such orders shall be enforced only to the extent permitted under current State law, and are authorized to be entered in the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System. A Maryland law enforcement officer must arrest a person whom the officer has probable cause to believe is in violation of such orders, if specified conditions are met.
Signing the Gun Violence Act of 2027, which permits a court to require a person to surrender firearms in a civil protective order and permits law enforcement officers to seize firearms observed when responding to domestic violence calls.
Signing Senate Bill 339, which prohibits insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations from discrimination based on information related to an individual's status as a victim of abuse or domestic violence in underwriting, issuance or renewal of, or payment of claims on life or health insurance policies or health benefit plans