Department of Justice publishes Domestic Homicide Review Report
Date published:
The Department of Justice has today published the Executive Summary of a Domestic Homicide Review.
The Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) panel examined the circumstances relating to the death of ‘Marta’ a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the victim and her loved ones.
The panel, led by independent chairperson Dr Jan Melia, has made 14 recommendations. These recommendations have been shared with agencies prior to publication to ensure lessons learned are acted on as early as possible.
A significant amount of work has therefore already been progressed to implement these.
The Executive Summary said: “Marta was a devoted mother, daughter and sister who worked hard to provide stability for her child.
“Having secured permanent employment, she had achieved a degree of financial security and was making plans for her and her child’s future.
“She maintained close relationships with family and friends and was regarded as a source of support to those around her.”
DHRs are intended to promote learning from tragic circumstances in order to help prevent further domestic homicides, by improving services and supporting families who are living with domestic abuse.
Domestic Homicide Reviews are an important part of the wider response to domestic abuse, set out under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy.
The Executive Summary report has been published on the Department’s website: Domestic Homicide Review | Department of Justice
Notes to editors:
1. Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) were introduced in Northern Ireland in December 2020 under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004 (the 2004 Act).
2. A DHR may only be considered when it may result in identifying lessons to be learned and within the following circumstances:
i. The deceased person is aged 16 or over;
ii. The death has or appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect, which has been caused by:
- a person to whom the victim was related, or
- a person with whom they had been in an intimate personal relationship with, or
- a member of the same household; and
iii. The death was not prior to December 2020.
3. DHRs are carried out by an independent Chair with the support of a panel of representatives from statutory and voluntary and community organisations, who gather and review information pertinent to the case.
4.The aim of the process is about learning in order to help prevent further domestic homicides, by improving services and supporting families who are living with domestic abuse.
5. Given the personal information and sensitivities contained within this review, pseudonyms have been used to help protect the identity of individuals and, in particular, children. While it may be possible to identify the specific case from information provided, given the relatively small population of Northern Ireland, the Department is mindful of endeavouring to ensure individuals’ privacy is respected.
6. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or email help@dsahelpline.org. For more information visit www.dsahelpline.org(external link opens in a new window / tab)(external link opens in a new window / tab)
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