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

Review into the death of Pamela

Published November 2017

Summary

The murder of a woman in her late 40s by her ex-partner. The homicide happened the same month that the couple separated. The review uses the names ‘Pamela’ and ‘Lance’.

Issues identified

  • Recognising abusive behaviour (particularly coercive control), stalking and harassment.
  • Use of the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Risk Identification Checklist (DASH RIC).
  • Professional curiosity, particularly in relation to the role of health professionals.
  • Ensuring awareness of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You use this to find out if someone’s partner has a history of violence or abuse.

Lessons learned

  • Recognising abusive behaviour (particularly coercive control), stalking and harassment.
  • Use of the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Risk Identification Checklist (DASH RIC).
  • Professional curiosity, particularly in relation to the role of health professionals.
  • Ensuring awareness of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You use this to find out if someone’s partner has a history of violence or abuse.

Actions we are taking

  • Raising awareness about coercive control, stalking and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
  • Promoting access to health-based specialist services.
  • Developing responses to stalking and harassment.
  • Reviewing referral pathways for victims of domestic abuse incidents and crimes. This includes access to commissioned specialist services.

Overview report

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