1. Safe in East Sussex
  2. Professionals
  3. Reviews into deaths from domestic abuse
  4. Review into the death of Henrietta

Review into the death of Henrietta

Published November 2017

Summary

The murder of a young woman at her home address in 2015. Her ex-partner ‘Peter’ was convicted of her murder. The homicide happened three weeks after the couple separated. There had been some contact with agencies. The review uses the names ‘Henrietta’ and ‘Peter’.

Issues identified

  • How professionals identify perpetrator behaviour.
  • Ensuring simplified referral pathways to specialist services.
  • Ensuring access to specialist services in health settings.
  • Ensuring record keeping and follow up.
  • Policies about informing the police when a victim does not engage.

Lessons learned

  • Talking with domestic abuse victims about their concerns about a former or current partner.
  • The use of Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment Risk Identification Checklist (DASH RIC)
  • Professional curiosity, particularly in relation to housing providers and health professionals.

Actions we are taking

  • Reviewing referral pathways for victims of domestic abuse incidents and crimes. This includes access to commissioned specialist services.
  • Promoting interventions for those who use violence.
  • Promoting access to health-based specialist services.
  • Improving awareness of the support available. This includes support for professionals, victims or survivors and their families.
  • Promoting domestic abuse best practice standards in the housing sector.
  • Ensuring housing providers use local safeguarding processes for adults and children.

Overview report

DHR Henrietta overview report is on the Home Office Domestic Homicide Review Library.