**GAO-10-923**                      Published: Sep 22, 2010. Publicly Released: Oct 13, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

In 2001, the Deputy Secretary of Defense stated that domestic violence will not be tolerated in the Department of Defense (DOD). Despite this posture, DOD's clinical database indicates that 8,223 incidents met criteria for domestic abuse in fiscal year 2009. However, because this database includes only cases reported to military clinical offices, it does not represent all cases. In response to a congressional request, GAO evaluated whether DOD is able to determine the effectiveness of its domestic abuse efforts. To conduct this review, GAO reviewed legislative requirements and DOD guidance, analyzed domestic abuse data, and interviewed officials involved in domestic abuse prevention and treatment and persons eligible to receive services at five military bases.

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Brenda S. Farrell
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## Topics

National Defense

Data collectionData integrityDatabasesDomestic violenceEmployeesMilitary personnelProgram evaluationReporting requirementsRisk managementStrategic planningDisciplinary actionsInternal controlsMilitary policiesPolicies and procedures