Testing Scotland's proposed domestic homicide and Suicide review model: phase one report and SG response

3. Testing the Model – November 2024

The work to develop Scotland’s Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review model includes testing and evaluation of the model to ensure it is robust and fit for purpose before it is rolled out. Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) were asked by the Scottish Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Justice Unit, to support the testing of the model in a phased manner, with the first phase focusing predominately on the structure of the model developed so far.

To do this, AAFDA planned, facilitated and reported on the workshop. See Appendix 1 for information about AAFDA and the workshop facilitators.

A facilitated workshop with a range of experts and stakeholders was held on Wednesday 27 November 2024 in St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh. Including the two facilitators, 26 participants attended. Participants are listed in Appendix 2.

AAFDA and the Scottish Government extend their thanks to the workshop participants for their attendance, active participation and sharing of knowledge and experience.

The agreed objectives of the day were to:

• Achieve a facilitated walk through of the proposed Domestic Homicide and Suicide (DHSR) process;
• Identify unique factors about the Scottish political, cultural context which may impede or enhance DHSRs;
• Identify the strengths and any limitations, issues or concerns for further action;
• Support identification of any gaps within the proposed statutory guidance; and
• Identify next steps.

The approach taken by the facilitators was to utilise small group discussions throughout the day with a focus on three different stages of the DHSR process:

Identifying when a DHSR is required and instigating a DHSR

• Scope/criteria for undertaking a review;
• The decision-making process; and
• Establishing the review’s chair and panel.

Conducting a DHSR

• Effective information gathering to inform the review;
• Equality, diversity and inclusion; and
• Involvement of family, friends, community.

Facilitating learning from a DHSR

• Reporting on the DHSR;
• Sharing and acting on learning; and
• Accountability and governance arrangements.

Where available, information that is known to be proposed regarding the approach to be taken was presented to the groups – this information is represented within each section of this report as ‘The current proposals’. The powers and responsibilities were also set out in a separate handout for all to have to hand (see Appendix 3). Group members considered:

• The strengths and any limitations of the proposals;
• Whether the proposed legislation is sufficiently robust;
• What needs to be included in the statutory guidance to support best practice; and
• Whether any additional tools were required to support best/safe practice.

This report represents a summary of reflections, concerns and proposals captured during the workshop.