Item Description:
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Direct County Administration to implement strategies that prevent, reduce, and mitigate the impact of domestic violence through data-informed decision-making; develop a Hennepin County Domestic Violence Dashboard, build capacity for culturally responsive victim navigation services, resources, and support; establish a Domestic Violence Victim-Survivor Advisory Committee guided by community-driven solutions that increase public awareness and address the most immediate needs of victim survivors. - Offered by Commissioners Fernando and Conley
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WHEREAS, on October 14, 2025, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 25-0420, thereby directing the county administrator to provide a report with a summary of current data-sharing challenges and opportunities, an overview of existing partnerships with government and community service providers, relevant statistics, and recommendations and long-term strategies for preventing, reducing, or mitigating the impact of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2026, the County Administrator provided the report, titled “Domestic violence report inventory, Hennepin County’s approach to domestic violence: Increased emphasis on prevention and mitigation” to the County Board; and
WHEREAS, Domestic violence is a complex and urgent public health and safety issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across Hennepin County. It contributes to trauma, disrupts community cohesion, and exacerbates disparities in health, education, housing, employment, income, connectivity, and justice; and
WHEREAS, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, there were more than 19,000 domestic violence incidents in the state in 2024. About one-third occurred in Hennepin County, representing nearly 7,200 victims and 6 homicides; and
WHEREAS, Black victims account for nearly half of all domestic violence incidents in Hennepin County in 2024; about one-third were White, and about four percent American Indian, which is much higher than expected given the population of American Indian residents living in Hennepin County; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is committed to combating domestic violence and creating a system and community in which victims and survivors are empowered to seek justice and are supported in their healing journey; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County has a long history of supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, particularly through advocacy and support while criminal matters are pending. Hennepin County provides resources for victims such as counseling on how to obtain civil orders, safety planning and recovering from physical and psychological trauma; and
WHEREAS, the county’s current efforts to prevent, respond to, and mitigate domestic violence are grounded in a public health framework focused on prevention by reducing risk factors, response through interventions, and mitigation through support and long-term recovery; and
WHEREAS, the county has examined programs, policies, and limited data related to domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is a broader term encompassing violence between household members, family members, romantic partners and former partners. Intimate partner violence is limited to romantic partners and former partners; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence remains underreported and inadequately measured due to gaps in data availability, access and tracking. Gaps in qualitative and quantitative data impede effective systemic change and are compounded by inconsistent state-level data collection, limited information from hospitals and emergency departments and barriers that discourage disclosure - especially among the communities most impacted; and
WHEREAS, reliable data are essential for directing prevention and response efforts, improving services for survivors, and tracking progress toward ending domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, establishing a Victim Survivor Advisory Committee that reflects communities most affected by domestic violence in Hennepin County will strengthen existing efforts by co-designing community-driven strategies to increase public awareness and address the immediate needs of victim survivors; and
WHEREAS, the tragic consequences of domestic violence, including the loss of life-underscore the urgent need to prevent such devasting outcomes.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board acknowledges the information and recommendations contained within the “Domestic violence report inventory” provided on February 26, 2026, and recognizes the numerous providers and organizations that deliver services to support victims, survivors, and their communities; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners directs County Administration to implement strategies that prevent, reduce and mitigate the impact of domestic violence through data-informed decision-making; developing a Hennepin County Domestic Violence Dashboard, building capacity for culturally responsive victim navigation services, resources and support, and establishing a Domestic Violence Victim Survivor Advisory Committee that is guided by community-driven solutions that increase public awareness and address the most immediate needs of victim survivors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners designates the Domestic Violence Victim Survivor Advisory Committee as the official, victim survivor-led coalition within Hennepin County Government, that advises and works closely with county departments, and agencies to provide input and recommendations on domestic violence strategies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Safe Communities department in partnership with the Public Health Department be authorized to provide staff support and consultation to the Domestic Violence Victim Survivor Advisory Committee, whose members shall reflect the communities most impacted by domestic violence in Hennepin County, and center the experiences of individuals underserved by existing systems.