Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews in Scotland: Statutory Guidance

Section 6 – Training and Support

6.1. Training

To ensure that domestic homicide and domestic abuse related suicide reviews are conducted to a high and consistent standard, appropriate and ongoing training will be provided to the Review Oversight Committee Chair, Deputy Chair, Case Review Panel Chairs, members of the Review Oversight Committee and Case Review Panels. Training will also be made available to those providing information for review purposes through their professional roles (individual management reviews).

Training will be ongoing to ensure those involved in the review process maintain confidence and are able to effectively engage and participate in the review process. In addition, information on the review process will also be available to families, advocates and professionals.

The Scottish Government has undertaken a procurement exercise and has a contract in place with a supplier to deliver training on domestic homicide and domestic abuse related suicide reviews. The training comprises of four strands:

• Training for the Review Oversight Committee Chair, Deputy Chair and Case Review Panel Chairs
• Training for the Review Oversight Committee and Case Review Panel members
• Training for individual management review authors
• Training/ general awareness raising for professionals, advocates, families and members of the public

A range of information is also available on domestic homicide reviews, domestic abuse related suicide reviews and information for those participating in a review including family members, children and young people and carers. The materials will be made available in a range of languages and accessible formats. The materials have been developed in partnership with a range of experts including those with lived experience of domestic abuse and those who have been bereaved by domestic homicide and domestic abuse related suicide.

6.2. Clinical Supervision and Peer Support

Due to the complex and distressing nature of domestic homicide and domestic abuse related suicide reviews, the Review Oversight Committee Chair, Deputy Chair, Case Review Panel Chairs and those working in the Secretariat will have access to a package of support measures including peer support, debriefing, trauma-informed wellbeing and support measures and clinical supervision.

Peer support will also be available to those involved in the review process including members of the Review Oversight Committee and Case Review Panel members in addition to the support available through their respective organisations.