The Potential and Peril of Reviewing Domestic Abuse-Related Deaths

Durham University’s Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA) invites you to celebrate the publication of Dr James Rowlands’ book The Potential and Peril of Reviewing Domestic Abuse-Related Deaths published by Routledge in March 2025.

Dr Rowlands will present his book, which examines what Domestic Abuse Related-Death Reviews (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. 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. In addition, Dr Rowlands considers the current DHR/DARDR reform agenda, as well as what can be learnt from other similar review systems globally.

This hybrid event will include opening remarks from Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, and Dr Rowlands’ talk will be followed by a Q&A session chaired by Professor Hannah Bows, the Deputy Director of CRiVA.

Dr. James Rowlands is an Assistant Professor in Sociology at Durham University. His research focuses on domestic abuse, specifically domestic homicide and domestic abuse-related deaths by suicide, as well as fatality review systems and femicide. James has also worked as an independent chair of DHRs in England and Wales.

Join us on Tuesday 22nd April 2025 from 14.00 – 15.00 to hear Dr James Rowlands’ talk about the book and his research.

At the registration page, please select the relevant ticket type (online/in person). If you choose online, you will then receive the meeting joining link. Please check your spam/junk folder.