Commissioner's event unites agencies to tackle domestic abuse and prevent deaths
Lancashire professionals share strategies to address domestic abuse-related suicides
Commissioner Clive Grunshaw recently convened police, domestic abuse services, and public-sector professionals in Preston to exchange learning and best practices on preventing domestic abuse-related deaths, including suicides.
The event follows findings from the national Domestic Homicide Project which revealed 98 suspected suicides linked to domestic abuse between 2023 and 2024. The report, published in March 2025, indicated that suicides due to domestic abuse had outnumbered homicides involving current or former partners for the second consecutive year.
Focus on prevention and collaboration
The Commissioner's Office is committed to tackling violence against women and girls, actively engaging in research to prevent victim suicide following domestic abuse and lobbying to amend legislation around domestic abuse-related suicides.
The initiative aims to enhance inter-agency cooperation between policing, domestic abuse services, mental health services, public health agencies, and local authorities to improve safeguarding efforts.
A renowned Forensic Criminologist, Professor Jane Monckton-Smith OBE, shared insights into her homicide and victim escalation timelines developed to aid professionals assessing risk in domestic abuse cases. Her contributions highlighted the importance of recognizing signs that may indicate heightened risk levels from abusers.
Personal stories and shared experiences
Julie Aunger, whose daughter Katie died in 2016 following domestic abuse by her partner, brought personal insights to the event. She secured an independent Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) into Katie's death after years of campaigning. Her story illustrated risk escalation stages and underscored the necessity of sharing best practices in addressing domestic abuse.
Commissioner Grunshaw emphasized the priority of addressing violence against women and girls outlined in his Police and Crime Plan, advocating for collective efforts to support victims and curb offender threats effectively.
"Supporting victims of abuse is really complex...the risk to victims is extremely high at point they try to seek support and break free," Commissioner Grunshaw said.
Jane Monckton-Smith further praised the partnership-focused event, noting the critical need for sharing knowledge to safeguard victims and improve interventions.
For information and support, those affected by domestic abuse in Lancashire can visit noexcuseforabuse.co.uk.