Domestic Homicide Review Executive Summary published – Alyson Nelson
Date published:
The Department of Justice has today published an Executive Summary report on a review carried out by a Domestic Homicide Review Panel.
The Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) Panel examined the circumstances relating to the death of Alyson Nelson.
The DHR Panel examining the circumstances of the death of Alyson has made three recommendations for action by the PSNI, DoJ and HSCT.
The report’s executive summary states: “Alyson was a much-loved mother, friend, and member of her community. She died in her home, a place where she should have felt safe. A former intimate partner took her life. Alyson was another victim of femicide in Northern Ireland, her death yet another example of violence against women.
The threat of harm her murderer posed pre-existed his relationship with Alyson. He had been convicted of both intimate partner violence and family violence. His relationship with Alyson was dominated by coercive and controlling behaviours, and testimony provided to the Review describes his misogynistic behaviour.
Alyson’s murder highlights the need to focus on interventions and education that challenges societal attitudes held by men and boys about women and girls, and the role this plays in relationships.
It is the DHR Panel’s intention that the DHR findings, and the implementation of identified actions, will reduce the number of victims of domestic violence, including those victims who are subject to coercive and controlling behaviour.”
The independent review panel for this case was chaired by Anne Marks.
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.
In publishing the Executive Summary, the Department of Justice said considerable progress is underway by the relevant agencies towards the implementation of recommendations made in the DHR.
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 on the Domestic Homicide Review for Alyson has been published on the Department’s website.
Notes to editors:
- 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)
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