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

Review into the death of Julie

Published June 2023

Summary

The death of a woman in her late 40s, who was known as ‘Julie’ in the review. The perpetrator, Julie's partner, was charged and later convicted of manslaughter with diminished responsibility.

Issues identified

  • The perpetrator had a history of violence and domestic abuse, mental illness, and substance misuse.
  • Relevant services attempted to engage with the perpetrator. However, risk assessments were insufficient.
  • Julie experienced coercive control and other barriers to supporting prosecutions. 
  • Julie was not identified as a carer despite her caring responsibilities. The perpetrator's history of violent offending had not been shared with her. 

Lessons learned

  • The need to make the most of opportunities to share information with victims.
  • The importance of health agencies having policies and training on routine enquiry on domestic abuse.
  • The need for agencies to share information about domestic abuse and how perpetrators are being managed. 

Actions we are taking

  • Health agencies are reviewing their policies, tools, resources and training. This will support increased routine enquiry on domestic abuse.
  • Agencies will raise awareness of opportunities to share information with victims. This includes the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. 
  • Stronger information sharing arrangements between agencies.  Seeking funding to develop more perpetrator programmes in East Sussex. 

Overview report

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