In its evaluation of the work done by domestic violence agencies in Hawaii, the League ultimately concluded that what is needed is a coordinated community response to the problem. This is not a novel idea. And it is very unlikely that we will awaken tomorrow to find such a thing in place. Even though the League asserts that such coordination will reduce the spousal homicide rate in Hawaii, I wish it were that simple.
Domestic violence is a lethal and costly crime.
Notorious local and national cases startle us with the reminder that we still have a long way to go before we bring peace and safety to isle families. For those of us in the trenches, waging our lives and our hearts in this effort every day, we do not need the publication of reports like the League's to educate us about weaknesses in the system. They describe the horrendous acts of violence that have been perpetrated against them, and the ways the system has fallen short of meeting their needs for safety from physical and psychological torture. It wasn't too long ago that we weren't here at all for any abused women. We used to live in a state with only one shelter for victims.