Refuge responds to the concerning news that review of domestic abuse-related deaths are facing serious delays

Responding to the concerning news that reviews of domestic abuse-related deaths are facing serious delays, Ellie Butt, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Refuge, said: 

“The news that just 1% of reviews into domestic abuse-related deaths are being completed within the recommended six-month period is nothing short of chilling. It emphasises yet again the urgent need for all deaths linked to domestic abuse to be prioritised and treated as the devastating tragedies they are.   

“It is critical that reviews of domestic abuse-related deaths are carried out quickly and thoroughly. Yet new data shows that just 18% of reviews were completed within one year, and most are taking even longer – with 25% taking more than 18 months. With domestic abuse at epidemic levels, it is devastating that since 2011, almost every single review has taken longer than it should have.  

“Domestic homicide reviews make critical recommendations to prevent deaths caused by abuse. They often reveal institutional and police failings that show many of these tragic deaths could have been avoided. Delays to the review process will undoubtedly have horrific real-world consequences for women and girls, by hindering the swift identification and correction of preventable failings that could put others at risk of abuse. 

“We welcome the news that the Home Office is creating a new oversight board to speed up the review process – but this must be matched by vastly improved funding for the VAWG sector, and urgent action to improve institutional, agency and police responses to abuse.”