Domestic Violence Agency Personnel Experiences With and Perceptions of the Lethality Assessment Program

This study evaluated the experiences with and perceptions of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) among domestic violence agency personnel. Interviews were conducted with 16 agency personnel from 11 agencies in Connecticut to assess their beliefs about the goals of the LAP and the achievement of those goals, the perceived impact of implementation of the LAP on their relationship with local police departments, their experiences setting up and implementing the program, the perceived effects of the LAP on the agency’s resources, and whether they would recommend continuing with the program. Participants mentioned a number of challenges, as well as benefits associated with participating in the LAP, and all but one person interviewed would recommend continuing with the program. Recommendations for future research on the LAP and for those considering implementing it are provided.