What is a domestic homicide review?
When someone is killed by an intimate partner or family member a review of the case must be conducted. This is known as a Domestic Homicide Review or DHR. We work with our partners to appoint an independent chair to carry out this review for us.
Family members, friends and colleagues of the victim - and where possible the perpetrator - are central to the Domestic Homicide Review process, if they wish to be. The independent chair will aim to make contact with friends and family, to enable them to inform the review constructively, by ensuring a more complete view of the lives of the individuals concerned.
More information on domestic homicide reviews can be found on the GOV.UK website
The purpose of a DHR is to:
- establish what lessons are to be learned from the domestic homicide regarding the way in which local professionals and organisations work individually and together to safeguard victims.
- identify clearly what those lessons are both within and between agencies, how and within what timescales they will be acted on, and what is expected to change as a result
- apply those lessons to service responses including changes to policies and procedures as appropriate.
- prevent domestic violence homicide and improve service responses for all domestic violence victims and their children through improved intra and inter-agency working.
- The Home Office has published guidance on when we need to set up a domestic homicide review and how to do it. This is explained on the GOV.UK website
Have you been affected by a domestic homicide?
There are leaflets available for family, friends and colleagues who have lost someone because of a domestic homicide.
Action After Fatal Domestic Abuse are also able to offer support to people affected by domestic homicide.
Domestic Homicide Reviews conducted and completed by the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership
The aim in publishing these reviews is to restore public confidence and improve transparency of the processes in place, across all agencies, to protect victims.
If you’re currently experiencing domestic abuse
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, there are services in our borough which can provide you with free, confidential advice and support.
