Short description:

Considering the potential and perils of Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews (DARDRs) in England and Wales as a way of learning from domestic abuse-related deaths, this book examines what DARDRs – first known as Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) – are understood as being for, what is used by and in DARDRs, and how DARDRs are themselves used.

Long description:

Considering the potential and peril of Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews (DARDRs) in England and Wales as a way of learning from domestic abuserelated deaths, this book examines what DARDRs – first known as Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) – are understood as being for, what is used by and in DARDRs, and how DARDRs are themselves used.

Drawing on rich empirical data, this text combines information gathered from published DARDRs as well as from the experiences of stakeholders, including representatives from organisations who had contact with a victim, and those who knew them personally. This analysis is further underpinned by the author’s distinct perspective as a practitioner, which includes having led DARDRs as an independent chair. Setting out an approach that frames the review of domestic abuse-related deaths as a means of achieving justice, the book addresses best practice in making sense of domestic abuse-related deaths, the efforts to drive practice, policy and systems change, and the memorialisation of victims, with a view to improving responses to domestic abuse for all victims, survivors and, perhaps, to prevent future deaths.

The Potential and Peril of Reviewing Domestic Abuse- Related Deaths will be of great interest to students and scholars of criminology, social work, and sociology, as a way of understanding the policy and practice of trying to make sense of and respond to domestic abuse-related deaths.

One of the most comprehensive and thorough assessments of these initiatives in one country. Conceptualizing these reviews as a system, a process, and a product, the author effectively highlights both their benefits and challenges, with the aim of optimizing their implications for practice, policy, research, theory and, most importantly, the future of such reviews. It will serve as a benchmark for similar examinations in other countries.

Professor Myrna Dawson, University of Guelph

James’ critical analysis of Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews brings into focus the victims, their families and the importance of conducting reviews with intention and accountability. During such a pivotal period of reform, his book is a must read for anyone working in domestic homicide prevention.

Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales

In this book Rowlands offers a powerful analysis of the ways in which domestic violence related deaths are brought into being when reviewed.  This highly accomplished work is an example of classic sociology at its best. Without doubt essential reading for anyone claiming an interest in this and related fields.

Professor Sandra Walklate, Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology, University of Liverpool

A searching, intelligent, and accessible analysis of domestic abuse related death reviews in the UK. Dr. Rowlands fruitfully combines participatory ethnography with analyses of socio-historical and community structures. He impressively textures a complex mosaic that highlights the limits of deliberative democratic practices in a centrally governed and bureaucratized state.  

Professor Neil Websdale, Arizona State University

Table of Contents:

Introduction

1: The Potential and Peril of Reviewing Domestic Abuse-Related Deaths

2: Researching Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews

3: Establishing Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews: Becoming Available for Use

4: Shared or Disparate Vision(s): What Are Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews For?

5: Practices of Review Part 1: Who and What Is Used by and in Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews?

6: Practices of Review Part 2: Can Dialogic Democracy be Achieved in Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews?

7: Maintaining the Status Quo or Delivering Change: How are Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews Used?

8: What Next?

Conclusion