The Department of Justice has published the Executive Summary of a Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) into the death of a woman referred to as 'Marta', a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the victim and her family.

The review panel, chaired independently by Dr Jan Melia, has made 14 recommendations. According to the Department, these recommendations were shared with agencies before publication to ensure lessons are acted on as early as possible, and a significant amount of work has already been progressed to implement them.

The Executive Summary described Marta as a devoted mother, daughter and sister who worked hard to provide stability for her child. It said she had secured permanent employment, achieved a degree of financial security and was making plans for her and her child's future. She maintained close relationships with family and friends and was regarded as a source of support to those around her.

DHRs were introduced in Northern Ireland in December 2020 under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004. A review may only be considered when it may result in identifying lessons to be learned, and where the deceased was aged 16 or over, the death appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect, and the death was not prior to December 2020.

Reviews are carried out by an independent chair with a panel of representatives from statutory, voluntary and community organisations. The process aims to promote learning to help prevent further domestic homicides by improving services and supporting families living with domestic abuse.

The Department said pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of individuals, particularly children, given the personal information and sensitivities contained within the review and the relatively small population of Northern Ireland.

The Executive Summary has been published on the Department of Justice website. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or by email at help@dsahelpline.org.