Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews in Scotland: Protocol

3. Principles

The parties to this protocol recognise that criminal investigations, criminal proceedings, Fatal Accident Inquiries, other investigations and inquiries and domestic homicide and suicide reviews are important processes which should each be carried out as expeditiously as possible, and should not adversely affect the progress of the other unless it is necessary in the interests of justice. All processes are crucial to help tackle domestic abuse, prevent domestic abuse related deaths and the ripple effect of domestic abuse on victims, children and young people, families, communities and wider society.

The starting position for domestic homicide and suicide reviews is that these should be undertaken as soon as is possible and should be able to run in parallel with other related justice processes unless directed otherwise by the Lord Advocate. Good working relationships and communication between the relevant parties will be necessary for each domestic homicide and suicide review.