Domestic Abuse is a national emergency, with a deadly impact.

‘Every life lost following domestic abuse leaves behind a family heartbroken. For too long these deaths have been treated as ‘unavoidable tragedies’, but they are not.’

- Julie Devey, Chair of Killed Women (organisation and network for bereaved families)

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) recently released a report, on 25th March 2025 regarding domestic homicides. The report sheds light on the alarming rise in domestic violence-related deaths. This report underscores the severity of the issue and the urgent need for better prevention and support services for victims of domestic abuse. The key findings of the report are:

• The number of suicides following domestic abuse has overtaken intimate partner killings for the second year in a row.
• The report calls for agencies to share information to prevent future deaths, revealing 68% of victims/ perpetrators were known to the agency.
• Police forces changed unexpected death policy, prompting officers to check for history of domestic abuse.

The report demonstrates a need for a multi-agency response that spans the wider criminal system, healthcare and Local Authorities to tackle domestic abuse and prevent future deaths, particularly suicide. In cases of suspected suicide following domestic abuse, nine out of ten victims, or their perpetrators were known to partner agencies.

Some of the risk factors were more prominent in certain types of deaths, for example controlling coercive behaviour is prominent in intimate partner homicides and suspected suicides following domestic abuse.

Police forces have made significant changes in relation to the recommendations following last year’s report as follows:

• Specific training for officers to raise awareness of the link between domestic abuse and suicide.
• Updated unexpected death policies with explicit procedures for officers to consider controlling coercive behaviours and domestic abuse in cases of unexpected suicides or unexpected deaths.
• Growing number of cases of suspected suicide following domestic abuse submitted for review and an increase charge rate for domestic abuse related crimes following a death.

The recommendations from this year’s report focuses on information sharing and a more unified approach across Policing, Government and other agencies, highlighting the need to continue to strengthen Policing and the wider criminal system.

A family solicitor who specialises in domestic abuse cases can offer crucial guidance and support by helping victims apply for injunctions or non-molestation orders.  These prevent the abuser from contacting them, coming near them and forbids the abuser to subject the victim to further abuse. They can also assist in securing child arrangements, ensuring that children are kept safe from harmful situations. Beyond legal representation, solicitors often provide compassionate support, assisting victims through what can be an overwhelming process while ensuring their safety and well-being.

The NPCC report highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for those affected by domestic abuse, and family solicitors play a crucial role in this. They help victims understand their legal rights and ensure they have the correct tools to enable them to make informed decisions, leading to a safer, more secure life away from abuse.  Family solicitors can also provide assistance in signposting victims to additional support systems.

If you or anyone you know is being subjected to any form of domestic abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence and Abuse Department (DVAD) for expert advice as to what protective measures are available, either by clicking on the links, or by telephoning Johnson Astills on 0116 255 4855.