Domestic homicide reviews (DHR)

Purpose of the review, the process, and published reviews.

Why we need domestic homicide reviews 

We are legally required to conduct an independent review when a person’s death appears to be related to them experiencing domestic abuse. An Independent Chair leads on such reviews. All the information shared is confidential until we publish the Domestic Homicide Review (DHR).

Domestic Homicide Reviews came into effect on 13 April 2011. They are the result of section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (DVCA 2004).

Purpose of review

A Domestic Homicide Review is a review of the circumstances around the death. The purpose is to:

  • establish what can be learned about how local professionals and organisations work separately and together to protect victims and/or survivors
  • make sure public bodies such as police, councils, social services, and community and voluntary groups understand and learn from the circumstances resulting in the death
  • help raise awareness of how we can all help victims and/or survivors of domestic abuse

The purpose is not to reinvestigate how the victim died or to blame anyone, that is the responsibility of coroners and the criminal courts.

Review process

The review process involves: 

  • talking to friends and family members 
  • interviewing any other significant people who may have known the victim 
  • obtaining information from agencies such as the police and criminal justice agencies 

The Home Office website provides information for friends and family explaining the purpose and process of these reviews in more detail.

The Action After Fatal Domestic Abuse website also offers support to anyone personally affected by a domestic abuse-related death. 

Published reviews

Case of Eleena, March 2018

Case of Jayne, December 2016

Case of Asen, February 2016

Case of RB, March 2014

Case of Adult A, March 2014

Case of Louise, December 2013

 

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