Collaboration is advocated to aid victims of duress

Facing the reality of budget cuts and limited funding, strengthening the collaboration between civilian and military service providers is key to ensuring that domestic violence victims receive the help they need, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said Thursday.

Hirono, speaking after holding a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing at the state Capitol, said she believes domestic violence crimes are underreported.

"With resources being what they are, this is an effort to move forward with a collaboration model that includes the military because their people are accessing civilian service providers," she said.

Military officials along with state Attorney General David Louie and representatives from private-sector service providers were called on to provide the committee with input on resources and services for military families.

The hearing, attended by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Information from the hearing will help Congress determine whether federal action needs to be taken.

Military service providers said they are working to address specific stressors that could lead to domestic violence, including anticipation of deployment or returning from combat.