Slaying may be example of need for domestic violence protection

Monday, Oct. 18, 1999 | 12:48 p.m.

Donna Hernandez obtained seven different protective orders against her ex-husband, but they weren't enough to prevent her death.

That's wrong, says District Judge Nancy Saitta. The judge says Hernandez' death shows the need for increased protection for victims of domestic violence.

In addition to the protective orders, Hernandez on numerous occasions told Clark County Family Court and police that she feared for her life.

Her husband was jailed on a murder charge after Hernandez was found stabbed and strangled in her home two weeks ago.

"There could not be a better example of a case we need to learn from as a community," Saitta said. "We have to find a better way to protect people like Donna Hernandez."

That is the purpose of a new committee, the Domestic Violence Adult Fatality Review team, formed in Clark County.

The committee, consisting of police officers, prosecutors, social service workers, domestic violence prevention advocates and schoolteachers, will conduct reviews of all Las Vegas Valley fatalities resulting from domestic violence. The goal is to determine where the system that is supposed to protect domestic violence victims is breaking down.

"Everyone knows there is a problem," said Saitta, who is co-chairing the review team with Clark County Domestic Violence Commissioner Patricia Doninger. "If we don't start trying to identify what is causing the problem, these cases are going to continue."

About a third of all murders in the Las Vegas area stem from domestic violence. In many cases, the victims tried to protect themselves like Hernandez, but eventually learned too late that they were on their own.

Doninger said the team will review the effectiveness of protective orders. While the documents are an effective tool, Doninger said they are not fail-safe.

"(Protective orders) are a good tool for law enforcement, but they don't stop a bullet or a knife, and we need to make sure that everyone knows that," Doninger said. "They are just one part of the process."

The volunteer committee will also examine how area police handle cases of domestic violence.

The group expects to hold its first meeting in November.