HI SR9

Requests the Honolulu Police Department establish a family violence unit staffed with officers specifically trained to handle all family violence complaints.

Unit officers should respond to initial domestic violence calls for service, assist victims, and enforce Hawaii's domestic violence laws.

Requires the family violence unit to be separate from the Criminal Investigation Division's existing child abuse and domestic violence detail.

Calls for the unit to be staffed with female police officers who have received gender-sensitive training and appropriate instruction in victim assistance.

Urges the Honolulu Police Department to seek federal funding through the S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women formula grant program.