Following the 21 domestic violence deaths in 2007, The Frederick News-Post asked some of the county's key stakeholders in combating the crimes to offer their thoughts on how we, as a community and a society, could move forward to reduce domestic violence. (Responses edited for grammar and style).

Having been in policing for 33 years, I am embarrassed, amazed, and yet proud at how far we have come in recognition, expectations and policing regarding domestic violence.

Sadly, not too many years ago, domestic violence was less reported and seemingly more accepted by society. From a policing perspective, more sensitive, professional, enlightened, proactive efforts; better understanding of the dynamics of victimization; better analysis; improved training and better reporting all contribute to fighting this crime.

We also now link domestic violence and child abuse. Some experts believe that perhaps 50 percent of those involved in domestic violence may also be involved in some form of child abuse.

An integral aspect of combating domestic violence is the formation of community-policing partnerships. We now understand we cannot go it alone -- especially in something as complex and sensitive as domestic violence. We work to partner with all stakeholders, including our social service agencies. We form victim services units, work with prosecutors and courts -- and continue to enhance our training to best combat all violence in our society, including domestic violence.

The Frederick Police Department continues to take a progressive stance toward combating domestic violence. We:

• Continually meet with citizens in all neighborhoods to hear their concerns, prioritize them, and create plans to address them.
• Continually analyze crime patterns to combat all types of crime, including domestic violence.
• Aggressively reach out to educate citizens regarding victim rights.
• Build trust within neighborhoods and communities across the city, especially those historically less likely to call the police.
• Intelligently and aggressively combat crime, making a significant number of arrests.
• Expanded the expertise of our victim services unit, with bilingual capabilities in assisting victims of crime, including domestic violence.
• Lead all municipal agencies in Maryland, having been selected for the pilot Domestic Violence Fatality Survey, which has now been adopted statewide.
• Received national attention for creating a groundbreaking partnership with the Way Station, Frederick County Mental Health Association, National Alliance of Mental Health and other mental health agencies to improve and enhance our collective response to those suffering from mental crises.
• Continually are enhancing and improving our training, especially responsiveness and sensitivity to all crime victims.
• Created one of the most highly trained Crime Scene Units in the State of Maryland, better enabling us to investigate all crimes, including domestic violence.
• Continue to play a strong role in the Child Advocacy Center -- combating domestic violence, especially violence against children.

Domestic violence remains a complex societal issue. To continue to make progress, all components of the criminal justice system, the social service system, and the educational system must become more cohesive and interactive. Core curriculum must include dispute resolution as a requirement.

Most importantly, society must become much less accepting of all violence -- especially domestic violence -- which threatens the basis of our society, the family unit. Self-respect and self-esteem must be fostered and nurtured. Technology must continue to be explored in terms of how it can best be used for combat all crime, including domestic violence. Alternative and creative sanctions must be explored.

We have come a long way, but we still have a very long road to travel.