Domestic abuse-related deaths are not always being reviewed consistently across England and Wales, according to new research led by Dr James Rowlands from our Department of Sociology.
The research team examined how decisions are made about whether a domestic abuse-related death should lead to a formal review.
They found wide differences in how cases are handled, who is involved in decisions, and whether families are kept informed.
Domestic abuse-related death reviews, known as DARDRs, are carried out after deaths linked to domestic abuse.
They aim to identify lessons that could improve responses to domestic abuse and help prevent future deaths.
However, little research has explored what happens before a review begins.
Dr Rowlands and his team wanted to understand how deaths are reported, how decisions are made, and whether some cases may be falling through gaps in the system.
They obtained data from surveys and Freedom of Information requests sent to local authorities across England and Wales.
The final dataset included 1,437 cases recorded by 262 Community Safety Partnerships – the bodies that commission reviews - between 2017 and 2024.
The research found that suicides linked to domestic abuse are now the most common type of death being reported for possible review.
In 2024, suicides accounted for 43.5 per cent of notifications, compared with 34.7 per cent for homicides.
Growing numbers of review notifications involve unexpected deaths or cases linked to neglect.
Police made more than 80 per cent of notifications.
The researchers found that key information about victims and perpetrators was often missing at the point cases were reported.
This included data on ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and faith.
In some cases, perpetrator data was not provided.
The study also highlighted differences in whether reviews were commissioned.
The researchers found that specialist domestic abuse services were consulted in fewer than four in ten cases, despite national guidance recommending this.
Families were also much less likely to be told when a decision had been made not to carry out a review.
The researchers say clearer national guidance and more consistent processes are needed.
This could include introducing standard definitions, better information gathering, and clearer roles in local decision-making.
Dr Rowlands and his team have produced a policy briefing to share with stakeholders, and their full study has been published in the journal Homicide Studies.
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