Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs)
If person aged over 16 dies from or what appears to be from domestic violence and abuse from 10 December 2020, a Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) may be carried out. Any decision to carry out a DHR will be so lessons can be learned from the death which will lead to improved responses and services victims and prevent future domestic homicides.
Decision to carry out a DHR
A DHR may only be considered, with a view to identifying lessons to be learned, within the following circumstances:
- if the deceased person is aged 16 or over
- if the death has or appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect
- if you are related to the victim
- If you were in an intimate personal relationship with the victim
- if you lived in the same household as a victim
Who carries out a DHR
There are three Independent Chairs, one of which leads each review commissioned and produces a report, with the support of a multi-agency DHR Panel. The chairs are appointed by the Department of Justice and each are engaged for a period of three years.
The chairs will lead a panel of representatives from various agencies, including statutory, as well as voluntary and community sector, organisations.
The panel will support the chair to gather and review information pertinent to the case. Collectively they will identify any learning and the independent chair will write the report.
What happens when a DHR is taking place
Relevant information relating to the deceased person, and their close family and friends will be requested from a variety of sources as part of the review process.
This will include (but is not limited to) statutory bodies, friends and family, community and voluntary sector organisations.
The information provided will be handled sensitively and all panel representatives will be party to data sharing and confidentiality agreements for each review.
Involvement of family or friends
Family and friends of the deceased victim will be invited to take part in the process by the independent chair.
Friends and family don’t have to take part but taking part in the Review is encouraged as sometimes they can have important information about the nature and extent of abuse which may not have been shared with agencies.
More information
For more information, please contact DHRs@dhrni.org.uk