What Is a Domestic Homicide Review?
A Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) is a statutory multi-agency review conducted following the death of a person aged 16 or over which has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by a person to whom they were related or with whom they were, or had been, in an intimate personal relationship.
DHRs were established under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and are commissioned by Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).
When Is a DHR Required?
A DHR must be considered when:
- A death has occurred in circumstances involving domestic violence or abuse
- The victim was aged 16 or over at the time of death
- The death was caused by, or connected to, a person who was a relative, intimate partner or household member
This includes deaths by suicide where domestic abuse is a relevant factor, and deaths of perpetrators in certain circumstances.
The DHR Process Step by Step
1. Notification and Decision
When a qualifying death occurs, the CSP is notified — usually by police. The CSP chair makes a decision about whether to commission a DHR, typically within one month of notification.
2. Appointing an Independent Chair
The CSP appoints an independent chair to lead the review. The chair must have no prior connection to the case or the agencies involved, and must have experience of conducting multi-agency reviews.
3. Establishing the Panel
A multi-agency review panel is convened, typically including representatives from:
- Police
- Health services (NHS trusts, GPs, mental health services)
- Local authority (housing, social care, children's services)
- Probation and offender management
- Specialist domestic abuse services
- Any other relevant agencies
4. Individual Management Reviews (IMRs)
Each agency on the panel produces an Individual Management Review — a chronological account of their involvement with the victim and perpetrator, including analysis of decision-making, information sharing and compliance with procedures.
5. Chronology and Analysis
The independent chair creates a combined chronology drawing together all agency contacts, and leads the panel through analysis of:
- Missed opportunities for intervention
- Information sharing failures
- Quality of risk assessment
- Effectiveness of multi-agency working
- Systemic and cultural factors
6. Family Engagement
Home Office guidance is clear that families should be invited to contribute to the review. This includes:
- Explaining the purpose and process
- Offering the opportunity to share their perspective
- Keeping families informed of progress
- Sharing the final report
7. Report and Recommendations
The chair produces a final report containing:
- An executive summary
- The combined chronology
- Analysis of key themes
- Actionable recommendations with clear ownership
- A dissemination and implementation plan
8. Home Office Quality Assurance
Before publication, the DHR report is submitted to the Home Office Quality Assurance Panel for review. The panel may request revisions before approving publication.
9. Publication and Learning
Once approved, the report is published (anonymised to protect identities). The CSP is responsible for overseeing the implementation of recommendations and sharing learning.
Typical Timelines
Home Office guidance suggests DHRs should be completed within six months of the decision to conduct one. In practice, complex reviews — particularly those running alongside criminal proceedings — may take 12-18 months or longer.
How CPGB Ltd Supports DHRs
Our team includes experienced independent chairs and reviewers who have led DHRs and partnership reviews across England. We provide:
- Independent chairing of Domestic Homicide Reviews
- Panel coordination and management
- IMR quality assurance and challenge
- Compassionate family engagement
- Report writing aligned to Home Office guidance
- Learning events and dissemination support
Contact us to discuss your DHR or multi-agency review needs.