Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment

Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Authorizes grants to create a national center that will train people on how to use special programs to help stop domestic violence killings.

What problem does this solve?

First responders often lack special training to identify domestic violence victims at the highest risk of being killed. This bill funds a national center to provide training and tools to help police and others recognize danger signs and connect victims to life-saving services.

What does this bill do?

Establishes a national training and technical assistance center

Authorizes the Attorney General to award a grant to a nonprofit or tribal group to create a national center for lethality assessment programs.

Authorizes $5 million in annual funding

Approves $5,000,000 for each fiscal year starting in 2026 to fund the center. The money will remain available until it is spent.

Defines 'lethality assessment program'

Specifies that these programs must connect victims to services, help first responders identify deadly situations, and use evidence-based tools to find high-risk victims.

Sets eligibility for grant applicants

Requires that any organization applying for the grant must have national experience in developing and implementing lethality assessment programs.

Who does this affect?

Victims of domestic violence
Law enforcement and first responders
Domestic violence victim service providers

What is the real world impact?

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Standardizes life-saving intervention

Creates a central resource to spread a proven method for identifying high-risk domestic violence situations. This helps police and other first responders across the country use the same effective tools to prevent homicides.

When does this start?

The grant program is set to begin in the 2026 fiscal year.