What is a Domestic Abuse Related Death Review?
Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs), formerly known as Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), are statutory multi-agency reviews established under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
A DARDR is conducted when a person aged 16 or over has died, or appears to have died, as a result of domestic abuse committed by someone, they were personally connected to.
Reviews may be considered in cases involving:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Suicide
- Neglect
- Unclear or unexpected deaths where domestic abuse is believed to be a contributing factor
DARDRs seek to understand the circumstances surrounding a death and identify opportunities for learning and improvement across agencies.
Who is involved?
Each DARDR is unique and the agencies involved will depend on the circumstances of the case. A review panel may include representatives from:
- West Midlands Police
- Probation Services
- Health Services
- Drug and Alcohol Support Services
- Domestic Abuse Support Services
- Housing Providers
- Children's Services
- Adult Social Care
- Any other relevant organisations involved with those affected
An independent Chair is appointed to oversee the review process and produce the final report.
Purpose of a DARDR
The purpose of a Domestic Abuse Related Death Review is to identify learning and improve how organisations work together to respond to domestic abuse.
A DARDR aims to:
- Understand the circumstances leading to a death.
- Identify opportunities for agencies to improve their practice.
- Improve partnership working between organisations.
- Increase awareness and understanding of domestic abuse.
- Reduce the risk of similar deaths occurring in the future.
- Share local and national learning.
DARDRs are not conducted to allocate blame to individuals, agencies, family members or friends. Their purpose is to learn lessons and improve services.
The DARDR Process
- Notification received
- Scoping period
- Decision to undertake a DARDR
- Independent chair appointed
- Information gathered from relevant agencies
- Review panel meetings
- Report writing and learning identified
- Home Office Quality Assurance review and approval
- Report approved and published
- Action plan implemented and monitored
Family Involvement
The views and experiences of family members are an important part of the review process. Where appropriate, families will be offered the opportunity to contribute to the review and share information that may help improve understanding of the circumstances surrounding the death.
Support and information are available throughout the process to ensure family members can participate in a way that feels right for them.
Coventry DARDR Reports
Completed DARDR reports published are anonymised to protect the identities of victims, perpetrators and their families.
Each published review includes:
- A DARDR report outlining the findings of the review with recommendations to improve local practice and partnership working.
- An accompanying action plan.
Action plans are live documents and will be updated as recommendations are progressed and completed.
DARDR currently available
Useful Documents
For any queries, please contact DHR@coventry.gov.uk