Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs)
Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) allow organisations to learn from homicides where a person is killed as a result of domestic violence and abuse.
What is a DHR?
A domestic homicide is when the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by:
- a person they were related to, or
- a person they were, or had been in an intimate personal relationship with, or
- a member of the same household.
If one or more of these criteria are met, a DHR should take place, even if a suspect is not charged with an offence or they are tried and acquitted. (Reviews are not about who is culpable.)
A DHR may also be held where there has been a domestic abuse related death such as suicide or the homicide of a close family member.
DHRs are considered by the Pendle Community Safety Partnership when a notification is received from the Police or any other agency with knowledge of the circumstances leading to the death.
What is the purpose of a DHR?
The purposes of DHRs is to:
- prevent domestic violence and homicide,
- to make sure that abuse is identified and responded to effectively at the earliest opportunity,
- improve service responses for victims through a coordinated multi-agency approach,
- contribute to a better understanding of domestic violence and abuse,
- highlight good practice,
The Home Office Statutory Guidance on DHRs can be found at GOV.UK Domestic homicide reviews:statutory guidance.
DHR reports
The Community Safety Partnership DHR reports.