Domestic Homicide Reviews – Liverpool Michelle Lesbirel-Jones Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Reduction Officer

Liverpool Population – 466,415 (census 2011). There was a 14% increase in domestic violence cases reported to Merseyside Police in 2012/13. There was also a 37% increase in the number of cases referred to the MARAC. 1,206 cases were progressed through MARAC in 2012/13.

Domestic Homicides in Liverpool (1) YearNumber of Domestic Violence Homicides 2008/ / / / /132 Introduction of DHRs

Process for deciding on DHR Request to secure information Standing group meeting (includes representatives from health, police, probation, third sector, legal and CPS) - Recommendation for Chair of CSP - Membership of DHR Panel - Scope of review Recommendation to CSP Chair for ratification Notification of decision to Home Office Recruitment of independent chair/author

Process for DHR Liaise with …. Senior Investigation Officer Crown Prosecution Service Coroners Office Initial Panel meeting - Set terms of reference - Review membership of panel - Identify IMR Authors Individual Management Reviews & Chronology

Individual Management Reviews & Chronologies Template and guidance developed Chronolator used Meetings of Authors of IMRs with Chair/Author of the DHR Additional support as needed * New to some agencies * Shrinking resources

Confidentiality All meetings have a confidentiality statement signed Agencies are advised of their responsibilities Where possible consent should be sought from … * perpetrator * family and friends * others as identified …

Family & Friends Timing Mode of contact * Family Liaison Officers * Letter * Leaflets (including support information) What information is shared and how * Be led by family and/or friends * Keep them informed of the process

Links with the Home Office Notification of decision to undertake a DHR - 1 case became a Serious Case Review - 3 cases are subject to DHR - 3 cases decision taken not to undertake a DHR Requests for further guidance … - Made directly in the first instance - Through panel members if needed… …. A response may take time but it does come …

Media Coverage Local media National media Communication strategy

Challenges Resources – costs, including hidden costs Timing of the DHR, Involvement of smaller third sector organisations with diminishing resources, Identifying Chair/Author, Complexity of cases Who to contact, when and how, Feedback prior to publication and publication, Learning lessons …. Meaningfully … IMR authors, agencies and family & friends

Questions Michelle Lesbirel-Jones Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Reduction Officer