Domestic Homicide Review published – ‘Ruth’
Date published:
The Department of Justice has today published a second summary report on a review carried out by a Domestic Homicide Review Panel.
Domestic Homicide Reviews 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.
The aim of the process is about learning in an effort to improve services and support families who are living with domestic abuse.
The Domestic Homicide Review panel examined the circumstances relating to the death of ‘Ruth’, a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the victim, and has made four new recommendations, including increasing public and professional awareness of the risks associated with separation where domestic abuse is present through a targeted media campaign.
The report’s executive summary states: “Professionals and the public alike must be cognisant that leaving, or attempting to leave, a relationship is one of the most dangerous times for a victim, one that can end in murder.”
The independent review panel for this case included a range of representatives from organisations including Women’s Aid, Health & Social Care Trusts, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (formerly the Health and Social Care Board) and was chaired by Anne Marks.
The Executive Summary report on the Domestic Homicide Review for ‘Ruth’ has been published on the Department’s website Conclusion of Domestic Homicide Review Ruth | 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.
- The death was not prior to December 2020.
3. Reports are produced by the independent DHR Panel Chair at the request of the Department of Justice.
4. Other relevant statutory agencies may also have progressed work to address the report’s recommendations.
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. Media enquiries for the Department of Justice should be directed via email.
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.
8. 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