As a specialist working in the by and for organisation for many years, embarking on the journey to become an expert panel member for Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) has been an enlightening and rewarding experience, which has only been possible due to the work of the Coaction Hub. The sessions by the Coaction Hub provided me with profound insights into the complexities of domestic violence and abuse, and it has highlighted the critical importance of specialist knowledge and expertise in addressing these issues effectively.

One of the most significant realisations during the sessions was the presence of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women chairs and trainee chairs within the VAWG sector. This diversity in leadership not only brings varied perspectives to the table but also underscores the importance of representation in tackling issues that affect diverse communities. Meeting and interacting with other  BME women in these pivotal roles reaffirmed my belief in the value of inclusive practices and the positive impact they have on the effectiveness of domestic homicide reviews.

The involvement of specialist organisations in DHRs is invaluable, a fact recognised and championed by the Coaction Hub. These organisations bring a depth of knowledge and expertise, particularly regarding issues faced by BME communities. Their participation ensures that DHRs are conducted with a nuanced understanding of cultural and social dynamics that might otherwise be overlooked.

BME by and for specialist organisations play a crucial role in domestic homicide reviews as they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge about specific harmful practices and domestic violence. It is essential that we value and leverage this expertise to enhance the quality and impact of DHRs. These organisations often have deep-rooted connections within communities and a profound understanding of the cultural and social dynamics that influence domestic abuse.  Their involvement ensures that reviews are comprehensive and culturally sensitive.

Despite the significance of our roles, there are notable barriers that expert panel members face. These include:

1.        Systemic Bias and Prejudices: Even with diverse representation, biases can still influence decision-making processes and the implementation of recommendations.

2.        Resource Constraints: Limited resources can hinder the ability of panel members to fully engage with the review process, including accessing necessary information and providing thorough analysis.

3.        Recognition and Valuation: Often, the specialised knowledge and contributions of expert panel members, particularly from by and for  organisations, are not fully recognised or valued. This lack of recognition can lead to underutilisation of critical expertise.

The Coaction Hub understands that BME organisations expertise is not confined to harmful practices alone; it extends to understanding the broader spectrum of VAWG.  This dual expertise allows us to address interconnected issues and develop holistic interventions. By recognising and utilizing our full range of knowledge, we can endeavour to offer holistic, more robust options and support systems for those affected by domestic violence.

By and fors possess a wealth of experience and insight into the specific challenges and harmful practices that affect various communities. This allows individuals with specialised knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the review process, ensuring that all aspects of domestic abuse  and harmful practices are thoroughly examined. As experts, we bring a depth of understanding and a nuanced perspective that can significantly enhance better responses, understanding and  outcomes of these reviews. Our expertise helps in identifying patterns, understanding the root causes, and developing comprehensive strategies to prevent future occurrences.

The Coaction Hub sessions supported us to recognise that our expertise is critical in:

1. Identifying Cultural Nuances: They help ensure that cultural contexts are considered in reviews, leading to more effective and relevant recommendations. This is  integral to  DHRs and should be from the perspective of a by and for expert.

2. Enhancing Review Quality: Their expertise and involvement ensures a thorough examination of victim’s journey, barriers and dynamics  which might be invisible, this requires recognizing both the overt and subtle challenges that victims from BME communities  face. These barriers can be systemic, such as institutional policies that could disadvantage victims, or personal, such as ingrained biases or unspoken social norms. By embedding  perspectives from a by and for expert,  we can widen the breadth and depth of DHRs with an intersectional  and anti-racist lens.

Recognising the value of these organisations, the Coaction Hub has taken proactive steps to enhance by and for involvement in DHRs. They have facilitated training sessions specifically with specialists  from  BME by-and-for organisations. The expert panel member sessions  aim to equip us  with the skills and knowledge necessary to become expert panel members.

The training sessions provided a valuable platform for us to discuss current issues within domestic homicide reviews and develop options with conversations for possible  mechanisms.  These sessions fostered an environment of collaboration and mutual learning, where ideas were exchanged freely, and diverse perspectives were valued. Learning from other by and for sisters  and session leaders enriched our understanding and equipped us with innovative strategies to enhance the review process.

The Coaction Hub acknowledges that not all specialist BME organisations have the resources or time to allow their staff the luxury/ a valuable opportunity  of becoming DHR Chairs. Many of these organisations operate with limited funding and staffing, making it challenging to dedicate personnel to such roles. To mitigate this, the Coaction Hub’s training sessions provide a practical solution by:

1. Offering Flexible Learning Opportunities: The sessions are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of participants, providing flexible learning options.

2. Building Capacity: By training multiple professionals , the Coaction Hub ensures that a broader base of expertise is available for DHRs, distributing the responsibility more evenly across organisations.

3. Fostering Collaboration: These sessions promote a collaborative approach, allowing participants to learn from each other and build a supportive network.

The training provided by the Coaction Hub has several broader impacts on the effectiveness and inclusivity of DHRs:

1. Empowerment of Specialist Organisations: It empowers these organisations to contribute more actively and effectively to DHRs, ensuring their unique insights are incorporated.

2. Improved Outcomes: With more trained expert panel members from diverse backgrounds, DHRs can generate more comprehensive and culturally sensitive recommendations.

3. Sustainable Involvement: By addressing the resource constraints, the Coaction Hub’s initiative helps sustain the involvement of specialist organisations in the long term.

My journey to becoming an expert panel member has been marked by significant learning and growth. The presence of BME women chairs, the inherent worth of our roles, the barriers we face, and the indispensable value of by and fors  have all shaped my experience. As we continue to navigate the complexities of domestic homicide reviews, it is crucial that we recognize and harness our collective expertise to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for all affected by domestic violence and abuse.

I strongly feel that the role of specialist organisations in Domestic Homicide Reviews is indispensable, and the Coaction Hub’s efforts to facilitate their involvement through targeted training sessions are commendable. By recognising and addressing the resource limitations faced by BME specialist organisations, the Coaction Hub is not only enhancing the capacity of these organisations but also enriching the DHR process itself. This initiative highlights  the importance of valuing and leveraging specialist knowledge to improve outcomes for all victims within DHRs.

By Zarreen
(Coaction Hub Domestic Homicide Review Expert Panel Member and AWRC Contracts Manager)