Information for professionals

Key guidance for RBWM professionals on responding to domestic abuse in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and RBWM’s Domestic Abuse Strategy.

Domestic Homicide Reviews

This page provides access to Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) completed in RBWM, including published reports, learning briefs and key national guidance. 

It brings together all available documents in one place so professionals, partners and members of the public can understand the learning, actions and improvements identified through each review

Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) were established on a statutory basis under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.  This creates an expectation for local areas to undertake a multi-agency review following a domestic homicide (or a suspected victim suicide). This provision came into force on 13 April 2011.  

The purpose of DHRs is to establish what lessons are to be learned from the domestic homicide or suspected victim suicide, regarding the way in which local professionals and organisations work individually and together to safeguard victims.  They also contribute to a better understanding of the nature of domestic violence and abuse.  

You can view existing DHRs in the documents listed below: