He viewed domestic violence as a criminal act, one that warrants a strong response from the criminal justice system and a strong condemnation from society. The Director also indicated most domestic violence incidents are part of a series of criminal events that include low level assault and that often build up to serious assault and homicide. He discussed various forms and characteristics of domestic violence and cited statistics to illustrate the seriousness of such violence. Responses to domestic violence were considered, particularly prosecutor use of domestic violence specialist units, domestic violence courts, victim assistance programs, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and the Violence Against Women Act. The Violence Against Women Act substantially increased Federal resources for police, prosecution, prevention, and victim services. The NIJ Director also explored the development of education and training programs by communities to improve criminal justice responses to domestic violence.