1. Hereford Domestic Homicide Conference
The Silent Victim
Malcolm Ross M.Sc
*Note to reader: Many slides have been removed from the original presentation that MR presented on 24 November This is to protect the families of the victims of the homicides. Slides remaining include an introduction to DHR’s and the conclusion slides identifying common themes and learning from all the DHR’s reflected in this presentation.

2. Domestic Violence Crimes and Victims Act 2004 Section 9 (1)
Under this section a ‘Domestic Homicide Review’ means a review of the circumstances in which the death of a person age 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by –
A person to whom he was related or with whom he was or had been in an intimate personal relationship, or
a member of the same household as himself,
held with a view to identifying the lessons to be learnt from the death
Amended 2013 and 2016
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

3. March 2013 Guidance Definition
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

4. Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017
2016 Guidance
Includes controlling and coercive behaviour:
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: a continuing act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

5. Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017
2016 Guidance
Far greater emphasis on family involvement
Review to be victim focussed
Disclosure of medical records when perpetrator declines permission.
Includes ‘Honour based violence’ and :
Suicide……
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

6. Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017
Suicide
Para 18 page 8 of 2016 guidance:
‘Where a victim took their own life (suicide) and the circumstances give rise to concern, for example it emerges that there was coercive controlling behaviour in the relationship, a review should be undertaken, even if a suspect is not charged with an offence or they are tried and acquitted’.
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

7. Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017
Purpose of a DHR:
Establish what lessons are to be learned from the homicide regarding the way in which local professionals and organisations worked individually and together to safeguard victims;
Identify clearly what those lessons are both within and between agencies, how and within what timescales they will be acted on, and what is expected to change as a result;
Apply these lessons to service responses including changes to the policies and procedures as appropriate;
Prevent domestic homicide and improve service responses for all victims and their children through improved intra and inter-agency working Contribute to a better understanding of the nature of domestic violence and abuse : and Highlight good practice
Domestic Homicide Reviews © Malcolm Ross 2017

8. Note slides removed from this section
Note slides removed from this section. The following slides include recommendations, common themes from DHR’s involving victims or perpetrators suffering from dementia.

9. Common Themes Professionals not listening to family members
Health (GPs) dealing with patient and carer in isolation
Poor recognition of effects dementia is having on intimate carer
Frequent offers of help declined by ‘more elderly’ carer
Recognition that incontinence has massive effects on carer especially if opposite sex

10. Common Themes
No explanation to carer about the likely decline of patient and therefore the expected increase in patient needs and caring input.
GP’s not being aware of patients who are registered firearms holders
The need for holistic training and awareness for all agencies of Dementia – ‘Dementia Friendly Society’.

11. Common Themes
As dementia usually effects older people, most are ‘set in their ways’
Same GP/practice
Strong views on accepting assistance
Caring based on wedding vows/ ‘reluctant to trouble anyone’