The Dash questionnaire has been the primary UK risk-assessment tool for domestic abuse since 2009, used by police, social services and healthcare workers. Dash comprises 27 questions, most answered yes, no or don't know, and the score typically determines referral to specialist support when classed as high risk. Analysis of 135 domestic homicide reviews found only 20% of completed Dash forms identified victims as high risk. There were 108 domestic homicides in England and Wales to March 2024. Families of murdered women not graded as high risk are exploring legal action, and the safeguarding minister is reviewing the system.
The Dash (Domestic, Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour-Based Violence) assessment is a list of 27 questions put to victims, to 24 of which they answer yes, no or don't know. The questions include things like: "Has the current incident resulted in injury?" and "is the abuse getting worse?" The resulting score typically determines what happens next. If a victim is classified as "high" risk, they are referred on for specialist, intensive support.
There were 108 domestic homicides in England and Wales in the year to March 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics. But one analysis of 135 recent domestic homicide reviews, shared with the BBC, found just 20% of the Dash forms completed for the victims identified them as high risk. Now, families of women who were murdered after not being graded as high risk are exploring legal action against the institutions they believe failed their loved ones.
Collection
[
|
...
]