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

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

TitleInside the black box: domestic homicide reviews as a source of data
TypeJournal article
AuthorsRowlands, J. and Bracewell, K.
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.

JournalJournal of Gender-Based Violence
Journal citation6 (3), pp. 518-534
ISSN2398-6808
Year2022
PublisherBristol University Press
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021x16439025360589
Web address (URL)https://app.dimensions.ai/details/publication/pub.1146264793
Publication dates
Published28 Jun 2022

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