Domestic Violence Response: A National Meeting on Promising Practices 2026

Domestic violence, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV), remains one of the most significant and complex challenges facing law enforcement today. While many forms of violent crime have declined in recent years, domestic violence continues to put victims and responding officers at substantial risk—especially when firearms or other high-risk factors are present. As agencies work to reduce violence and improve public safety, addressing IPV remains a critical priority. At the same time, law enforcement leaders continue to face difficult questions about the most effective strategies for preventing domestic violence, protecting victims, identifying high-risk offenders, and improving investigative and enforcement practices. Many agencies have adopted mandatory arrest policies or lethality assessments to identify high-risk cases, but questions remain about how well these approaches work in practice. Agencies are increasingly seeking practical, evidence-informed guidance on strategies that reduce repeat victimization and serious violence. The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) will convene police chiefs, sheriffs, and other law enforcement leaders alongside researchers, policy makers, victim service professionals, and other subject matter experts to discuss these issues on September 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The conversation will examine current trends; highlight promising practices; and identify opportunities to strengthen prevention, intervention, investigation, and victim safety efforts. The meeting is intended to foster peer learning and help inform practical guidance for law enforcement agencies nationwide.