The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic homicide in England and Wales 2014-2024

• In Event: (re)Conceptualising Homicide in England and Wales

Abstract

The Domestic Homicide and Covid Project was created in December 2021 to share knowledge on the prevalence of offences recorded as domestic homicide in England and Wales in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project aims to contribute to a more detailed understanding of the short-, mid- and long-term effects of Covid-19 and related restrictions on sub-types of domestic homicide. In contrast to official national statistics, the project uses data relating to the date in which the homicide occurred, rather than the date in which the incident was recorded. The project also adopts a broader definition of domestic homicide to include child deaths in a domestic setting. This wider definition has enabled a more comprehensive analysis of domestic homicide trends to investigate differences in victimisation risk during the pandemic. The project involves analysis of the Home Office Homicide Index data covering the period 2014-2024. We have presented papers at two ESC conferences and contributed to the most recent UN Women Femicide Report. Evidence from the project has shown that domestic homicides remained within expected levels during the pandemic, with 154 recorded in the year ending March 2021. Still, the project has found both fluctuations in levels of domestic homicide subtypes, and changes in the composition of domestic homicide during and post-pandemic. So far, results suggest domestic homicide victimisation risk during Covid differed according to victim type; with parent and child victims found to be at greater risk.

Author

• Valeria Abreu Minero, University College London