HI HCR61

Requests the Hawaii Judiciary to develop and implement a training program for Family Court judges and guardians ad litem to recognize and understand domestic violence, including its various signs and consequences.

Acknowledges that domestic violence includes psychological, physical, or sexual abuse used to coercively control another person in a relationship, with psychological abuse being the most damaging and long-term form.

Notes that relationship termination may increase a perpetrator's lethality and that child custody disputes often become venues for continued coercive control by abusers.

References Hawaii Revised Statutes section 571-46(a)(9)-(14), which establishes criteria for Family Court to consider when family violence has occurred in custody or visitation disputes.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Chief Justice, Senior Judge of Family Court, Administrative Director of Courts, and Chief Court Administrator of each Circuit.