Domestic Homicide Reviews were introduced as part of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004, and made statutory in 2011. They review the events leading up to any domestic homicide and make recommendations with a view to improving professional practice and preventing future homicide.
I have chaired a number of reviews, which has been a difficult and challenging role for many reasons. Recently I have been invited to provide expert analysis to review panels where Coercive Control and stalking are key characteristics; this is one of the most rewarding and important things I have ever done, and also shows a growing awareness of the importance of stalking and Coercive Control in Homicide, and the role knowledge of them can have in homicide prevention.
We would really encourage DHR chairs and panels to seek an expert analysis on stalking and Coercive Control in any review. It helps the panel and the chair, and hopefully will help them form recommendations for future practice.
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