Learning from Loss: A National Push for Change in Domestic Homicide Responses
Too many lives are still being lost to domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s latest report reveals a troubling lack of accountability around Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) in the UK. But there is hope – this new report sets out a clear path for change. If acted upon, it could transform how we learn from tragedy and prevent future harm. Here's what you need to know.
Summary
Between April 2023 and March 2024, 108 people were killed in domestic homicides in England and Wales, representing 1 in 4 of all homicides. The Domestic Homicide Oversight Mechanism Report 2025, published by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, shows that despite the ongoing human and financial cost, the lessons from these deaths are not always acted on. DHRs are intended to highlight where systems failed and how to prevent similar tragedies in future, but without proper oversight, recommendations too often go unimplemented.
Key insights from the report
Lack of accountability: There is no system in place to ensure DHR recommendations are actually acted upon, either locally or by national government.
Cost of inaction: Each domestic homicide costs society an estimated £2.9 million.
Pilot programme findings: A 2024 pilot across 21 areas shows that national oversight could increase accountability and drive change.
Technology gap: The current system for storing and analysing data is outdated.
Government gaps: There is currently no mechanism in place to ensure that government departments are made aware of recommendations in a timely manner, or held to account for implementation.
Repeated lessons: Many recommendations repeat year after year, yet systemic change hasn’t yet followed.
The Commissioner is calling for £1.45 million in Year 1 to fund a national oversight system, supported by a digital platform and independent review team. This will ensure lessons from every domestic homicide are shared, tracked, and used to make real change. The report offers a powerful vision for a future that turns painful lessons into life-saving change.
Read the full report and learn more about the proposals here.
