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Inside the black box: domestic homicide reviews as a source of data

Rowlands, James; Bracewell, Kelly

Authors

Kelly Bracewell



Abstract

Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) are a statutory review process to better understand domestic homicide in England and Wales. As a policy intervention, DHRs are intended to build a picture of the circumstances before such deaths and identify gaps in practice, policy and system response. The rationale is that this learning can improve response to domestic violence and abuse and reduce the likelihood of future homicides. However, little is known about how the DHR process operates, including how knowledge is produced or its subsequent use, including any outcomes. In effect, for the most part, DHRs are a ‘black box’. Yet, researchers are increasingly using DHR reports as a source of data. By locating ourselves within these processes, this article explores the implications of limited engagement with DHRs as a process of knowledge generation to date. It focuses on the implications for researchers, in particular the epistemological and methodological issues that arise, before considering what this might mean for policy and practice. It identifies recommendations to address key gaps in the understanding and use of DHRs for research purposes.

Citation

Rowlands, J., & Bracewell, K. (2022). Inside the black box: domestic homicide reviews as a source of data. Journal of Gender-Based Violence, 6(3), 518-534. https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021x16439025360589

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 3, 2022
Publication Date 2022-10
Deposit Date Sep 3, 2024
Journal Journal of Gender-Based Violence
Print ISSN 2398-6808
Electronic ISSN 2398-6816
Publisher Bristol University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 6
Issue 3
Pages 518-534
DOI https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021x16439025360589
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2783153
Additional Information This article is Open Access at: https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021X16439025360589