Post by National Police Chiefs' Council

Growing awareness of suicide following domestic abuse leads to rise in recorded deaths The Domestic Homicide Project, which sits within the National Centre for Violence Against Women & Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP), has today published its annual report that compiles and analyses domestic abuse related deaths. Now in its fifth year of publication, the project uses unique police data to drive real improvements in how forces and partner agencies respond to domestic homicide and suicide. The latest report has recorded: ▪️347 deaths linked to domestic abuse over the past year ▪️An increase of 85 deaths from the previous year   Much of the increase reflects improved understanding and identification of the link between domestic abuse and suicide and a change in practice that prompt officers to look for a history of domestic abuse at the scene of suicides and unexpected deaths. This is also leading to a small but promising increase in investigations and charges for domestic abuse related offences after the victim’s death as forces pursue justice in new ways.   💬 Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, national policing lead for domestic abuse, said: “This report reflects important progress in how policing is identifying risk and pursuing justice in new ways.   “But these findings are also a stark reminder that for too many victims, abuse was ongoing and already known before their death. We continue to see offenders deliberately targeting people who are vulnerable and using those vulnerabilities to maintain control and evade justice. “Policing, alongside all other agencies, must recognise this and do everything possible to stop abusive behaviour, bring offenders to justice and better protect victims.    “I want to thank the families who continue to share their experiences and work with us to drive change, I am incredibly grateful for their courage and honesty.” 🗨️ Here are the key findings from the report ⬇️

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