Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review stages

A person is killed or dies by suicide where domestic abuse is known or suspected to have been a factor in the death. 

The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Oversight Committee is informed and decide whether a review should be undertaken. 

Once a decision has been made to conduct a review, a publicly appointed chair is assigned. To avoid duplication the Review Oversight Committee will consider whether the death meets the criteria for other review processes and will look to include these within a Domestic Homicide or Suicide Review.    

A chair leads each review, supported by a review panel which will include statutory and non-statutory agencies and relevant specialists. The individuals representing their organisations will all be independent to the case. 

The chair will look to meet the family and/or those who had a close relationship with the person who has died. This is to understand their views about what happened and why, to learn more about the victim and to help shape the focus of the review. The chair will also make families aware of the advocacy service available to them. 

The review panel gathers information. This includes reports from agencies/organisations, hearing from those who were in contact with the person who has died and conversations with family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community. 

The review panel considers the material they have gathered and identifies where there was good/safe practice and/or where systems could be strengthened. They will look at this through the eyes of the victim and make recommendations and actions for meaningful change.    

A draft report and recommendations are prepared. Families will be able to check for accuracy and ensure they are satisfied with the information it contains.  

The chair will discuss suitable dates and plans for publication with the family. A summary report is published on the gov.scot website. 

The Scottish Government will monitor progress of recommendations and actions including the impact these have made. 

Every 2 years the Scottish Government will prepare a report for the Scottish Parliament on the key learnings and progress against recommendations including the impact of these.