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Date: Wednesday, 6th Dec 2023

Time: 16:00 – 17:00 GMT

Using data collected during a recently completed PhD, this seminar explores the potential and peril of Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) as a mechanism for change. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, published DHR reports and the results of a web-based survey, the research examined the operational, discursive, and symbolic practices involved in DHRs through the prism of use. By thinking from use, it is possible to explore what DHR is understood to be for, what is used by and in DHR, and how DHRs are themselves used. Addressing these questions is important as DHRs – as a process, product, and a system – have been relatively underexamined.

I argue that DHRs have considerable potential (including as one way of accounting for a victim’s experiences and generating knowledge) but can also be perilous (because of the complexity and tension in their establishment and doing that can be to the detriment of learning, stakeholder experience, and the story told about a victim’s death). I conclude by identifying the implications for policy, practice, research, and theory, and the importance of both procedural and outcome justice.

Dr James Rowlands is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Westminster. James’ work focuses on domestic homicide, including DHRs in England and Wales and other versions of this review mechanism internationally (known as Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews or Domestic Violence Death Review Committees). I am interested in how these state mandated review systems operate and if they bring about change, as well as the experience of those who participate in them (including the emotional labour involved).

Zoom link will be sent separately before the event.