Domestic Homicide Reviews
Information about Domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) and existing DHR documents
Domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) were established on a statutory basis under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. This creates an expectation for local areas to undertake a multi-agency review following a domestic violence homicide. This provision came into force on 13 April 2011.
The purpose of DHRs 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. They also contribute to a better understanding of the nature of domestic violence and abuse.
The rationale for the review includes ensuring that agencies are responding appropriately to victims of domestic abuse by offering and putting in place appropriate support mechanisms, procedures, resources and interventions, with an aim to avoid future incidents of domestic homicide and violence. The review will also assess whether agencies have sufficient and comprehensive procedures and protocols in place which were understood and adhered to by their staff.
You can view existing DHRs in the documents listed below: