New approach gets overwhelming backing.
A new approach aimed at reducing domestic abuse-related homicides
and suicides has received overwhelming backing.
The proposals for a Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model
would help identify what lessons can be learned and applied
following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where
abuse is suspected. Ministers hope that this will ultimately lead
to fewer such deaths.
Nine out of 10 people who took part in a consultation – including
those with direct experience of domestic abuse and bereavement
– backed the Scottish Government’s plans.
There was also substantial support for the inclusion in the Model
of cases involving violent-resistant homicide, where the victim
kills the perpetrator of abuse.
The Model will now be developed by the Scottish Government’s
Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, Model Development
Subgroup and Task and Finish Groups.
Justice Secretary said:
“Nobody should die at the hands of a partner. While overall
homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number
involving domestic abuse, where the vast majority of victims are
women.
“Our plans would see agencies across justice, health and social
care, the third sector and beyond work together to establish what
could be done better. It is absolutely right that these reviews
should also happen in cases of suicides, as well as homicides,
where abuse has been a factor.
“By identifying areas for change and improvement, we can help to
prevent further deaths and give a voice to those who have been
killed.”
EmilyTest founder and CEO Fiona Drouet, who will chair the
Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Task and Finish Group, said:
“The decision for Scotland to include domestic abuse-related
suicides in the new review model reflects a country that is
progressive and recognises the extent of the harms caused by
domestic abuse. This decision evidences that our Government
values the voices of professionals and lived experience.
“After losing a loved one to suicide, families shouldn't
encounter obstacles when asking authorities to investigate
further, regardless of whether the victim was known to domestic
abuse services or not. These reviews will be absolutely pivotal
in gaining valuable lessons and will go some way to helping us
build a safer society. It signifies a positive move towards
understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding
domestic abuse and its consequences. I feel very privileged to be
invited to chair the Task and Finish group and, after losing our
daughter in these circumstances, I wholeheartedly commit to
working with valued colleagues in the field to get this right for
everyone.”
Head of the School of Social and Political Science at the
University of Edinburgh John Devaney, who chairs the Model
Development Subgroup, said:
“The findings from the consultation on the key elements of the
new domestic homicide and suicide review process is an
important milestone in the considerations of the Taskforce.
“It is positive to note the overwhelming support for the core
purpose of the review process, and the key aspects that the
Taskforce should ensure are covered by future reviews. I’m very
grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute,
particularly those with experience of losing a family member to
fatal domestic abuse.”
Background
Domestic Homicide Reviews:
Consultation Analysis
The Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce, which will now include
domestic abuse-related suicides, was set up in December 2022. It
provides leadership for the development and implementation of a
multi-agency domestic homicide review model for Scotland.
The commitment to developing a domestic homicide review model is
within the Equally Safe Delivery
Plan. This commitment is a key priority in the Programme for
Government 2023-2024.
EmilyTest is a charity dedicated to tackling gender-based
violence in education. It was set up in memory of Emily Drouet,
an undergraduate law student who was subjected to a campaign of
gender-based violence and took her own life.
