An analysis of domestic homicide review recommendations for adult safeguarding in England
| Date | 20 December 2024 |
| Pages | 53-66 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2024-0045 |
| Published date | 20 December 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
| Author | Khatidja Chantler,Victoria Baker,Clare Gunby,Kim Heyes |
An analysis of domestic homicide
review recommendations for adult
safeguarding in England
Khatidja Chantler, Victoria Baker, Clare Gunby and Kim Heyes
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to analyse recommendations made in domestic homicide reviews
(DHRs) in England relating to adult safeguarding –largely focussing on those aged 66þto identify key
areas for learning and how equality, diversity and inclusion issues (EDI)are considered in DHRs.
Design/methodology/approach –A mixed methods approachwas used to analyse 24 DHRs spanning
2015–2018. A qualitative template was created to extract information, followed by a critical thematic
analysis. A quantitative matrix was then developed, enabling a descriptive quantitative analysis,
identifying the most prevalenttypes of recommendations. An additional descriptivequantitative analysis
of the 24 DHRswas undertaken for context.
Findings –Intimate partner homicide comprised half the homicides (12); adult family homicide
comprised 11; and one homicidewas an amicicide. DHRs recommended improvements in:information
management/multi-agency working (83%); targeteddomestic abuse training (67%); developing/abiding
by policies (67%); enhancing professional practice (54%); improved domestic abuse risk and carers
assessments(50%). EDI was seldom considered.
Originality/value –New analysis is providedon the different types and contextsof domestic homicides
involving older adults, the need for strengthened guidance regarding DA and adult safeguarding,
tailored DA trainingand challenging ‘‘blind spots’’ relating to ageistassumptions, the invisibility of familial
abuse,a lack of service oversight where care is self-fundedand limited consideration of EDI.
Keywords Adult safeguarding, Domestic abuse, Older adults, Adult social care, Domestic homicide,
Domestic homicide reviews, Familial abuse, Carers, Intimate partner homicide, Adult family homicide,
Equality and diversity
Paper type Research paper
Background
The intersection between adult safeguarding and domestic abuse (DA) is well articulated in
policy documents (LGA, 2015), but there is a gap between strategic policy documents and
operational DA safeguarding for adults (Mclaughlin et al.,2018;Robbins et al.,2016).
Central to this is the definitionand interpretation of an adult at risk which prioritises those with
physical or mental health needs. DA victim-survivors without such additional needs are
unlikely to trigger a statutory safeguarding response. Nevertheless, there are major overlaps
between adult safeguarding and domestic abuse (LGA, 2015)andthe Care Act (2014)
specifies thatfreedom from abuse and neglect is a key aspect of a person’s well-being.
In extreme situations, domestic abuse culminates in domestic homicide. Community safety
partnerships (CSPs) in England are required by statute (since April, 2011) to conduct a
domestic homicide review (DHR) following a domestic homicide. DHRs make
recommendations to improve practice at front-line, organisational and national levels to
strengthen service responsesto DA and to help prevent future domestic homicides.
Khatidja Chantler is based
at the Department of
Nursing and Public Health,
Manchester Metropolitan
University, Manchester,
UK. Victoria Baker is based
at School of Nursing and
Public Health, Manchester
Metropolitan University,
Manchester, UK.
Clare Gunby is based at the
Department of Nursing and
Public Health, Manchester
Metropolitan University,
Manchester, UK.
Kim Heyes is based at
School of Nursing and
Public Health, Manchester
Metropolitan University,
Manchester, UK.
Received 31 July 2024
Revised 25 October 2024
19 November 2024
Accepted 2 December 2024
The support of the Economic
and Social Research Council
(ESRC) is gratefully
acknowledged for the HALT
study. Grant Reference:
ES/S005471/2.
This work was supported by the
Domestic Abuse
Commissioner’s Office
(DACDHOMOct22-Mar23) with
approval for publication
received on November 27th
2024.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-07-2024-0045 VOL. 27 NO. 1 2025, pp. 53-66, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203 jTHE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION jPAGE 53
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