Healthcare Improvement Scotland has published draft Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review (DHSR) standards for consultation, and organisations and individuals are being invited to share their views.
The DHSR model in Scotland aims to identify learning and opportunities for improvement, helping to prevent future domestic abuse and domestic abuse-related deaths.
The draft standards have been developed in line with the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025 and the Scottish Government's related statutory guidance.
What do the draft standards cover?
The standards set out expectations for how Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews should be carried out, including:
- Leadership and governance of the review process
- Support for bereaved people, including children and young people
- The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review process
- Training and support for those involved in reviews
- Sharing knowledge and learning to support improvement and prevention
Share your views
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is now seeking feedback on the draft standards through an online consultation survey.
If you have an interest in domestic abuse, suicide prevention, bereavement, safeguarding, or the review process, you are encouraged to take part and share your views.
Complete the DHSR standards consultation survey
Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 5 November 2026
You can also find out more about the legislation and statutory guidance:
Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025
Scottish Government statutory guidance on Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews
