The Department of Justice has today published the Executive
Summary of a Domestic Homicide Review.
The Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) panel examined the
circumstances relating to the death of Marta' a pseudonym used to
protect the identity of the victim and her loved ones.
The panel, led by independent chairperson Dr Jan Melia, has made
14 recommendations. These recommendations have been shared with
agencies prior to publication to ensure lessons learned are acted
on as early as possible.
A significant amount of work has therefore already been
progressed to implement these.
The Executive Summary said: Marta was a devoted mother, daughter
and sister who worked hard to provide stability for her child.
Having secured permanent employment, she had achieved a degree of
financial security and was making plans for her and her child's
future.
She maintained close relationships with family and friends and
was regarded as a source of support to those around her.
DHRs are intended to promote learning from tragic circumstances
in order to help prevent further domestic homicides, by improving
services and supporting families who are living with domestic
abuse.
Domestic Homicide Reviews are an important part of the wider
response to domestic abuse, set out under the Domestic and Sexual
Abuse Strategy.
The Executive Summary report has been published on the
Department's website: https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/domestic-homicide-review
Notes to editors:
1. Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) were introduced in Northern
Ireland in December 2020 under Section 9 of the Domestic
Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004 (the 2004 Act).
2. A DHR may only be considered when it may result in
identifying lessons to be learned and within the following
circumstances:
i. The deceased person is aged 16 or over;
ii. The death has or appears to have resulted from violence,
abuse or neglect, which has been caused by:
- a person to whom the victim was related, or
- a person with whom they had been in an intimate personal
relationship with, or
- a member of the same household; and
iii. The death was not prior to December 2020.
3. DHRs are carried out by an independent Chair with the
support of a panel of representatives from statutory and
voluntary and community organisations, who gather and review
information pertinent to the case.
4. The aim of the process is about learning in order to help
prevent further domestic homicides, by improving services and
supporting families who are living with domestic abuse.
5. Given the personal information and sensitivities
contained within this review, pseudonyms have been used to help
protect the identity of individuals and, in particular, children.
While it may be possible to identify the specific case from
information provided, given the relatively small population of
Northern Ireland, the Department is mindful of endeavouring to
ensure individuals' privacy is respected.
6. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free
of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or
email help@dsahelpline.org. For
more information visit www.dsahelpline.org(external
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