In England and Wales, domestic abuse-related death reviews (DARDRs) bring stakeholders together to examine and learn from domestic abuse-related deaths. However, decision-making about which deaths to review has not been examined, creating a gap in knowledge about the notifications received, whether a DARDR is undertaken, and oversight and communication of outcomes. An exploratory study, Decision-Making on Deaths Subject to Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews in England and Wales: Do All Deaths Count?, addresses this gap.

Researchers James Rowlands (Durham University), Elizabeth Cook (VISION consortium, City St George’s University of London) and Althea Cribb (independent) reviewed data collected from the local partnership bodies responsible for decision-making about domestic abuse-related death notifications received between January 2017 and December 2024. They examined the stages from the notification of a death to the decision about whether to undertake a DARDR—which, reflecting the terminology in England and Wales, is described as the “commissioning pathway”—and the oversight and communication of these decisions.

Results showed increasing numbers but a changing profile of notifications: homicide is no longer the most common case type, having been superseded by suicide. However, missing data hampers decision-making. Improved understanding of decision-making about which deaths are reviewed has significant implications for state accountability. Further clarity and guidance are needed for commissioners and other stakeholders regarding notification, identification, and decision-making.

To download the article: Decision-Making on Deaths Subject to Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews in England and Wales: Do All Deaths Count?

To cite: Rowlands, J.., Cook, E. A., & Cribb, A. (2026). Decision-Making on Deaths Subject to Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews in England and Wales: Do All Deaths Count? Homicide Studies, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10887679261495100

For further information: contact James at james.h.rowlands@durham.ac.uk

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