The DHR process was introduced in England and Wales in 2011 under section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004.

Under a DHR, agencies such as the police, probation, health and social services will “consider the circumstances of , assess their response, and potentially learn critical lessons, improve services and work to prevent future victims from coming to harm”.

The reviews are “intended to maintain good practice, where needed improve frontline services by informing changes, and ultimately learn from these tragic crimes to save lives in the future”.

Primary legislation is not necessary as the 2004 Act already extends to Northern Ireland.

The consultation will be open until Friday 28 September 2018.