The Safer Sandwell Partnership Local Police and Crime Board published a domestic homicide review on 2 February 2023.
In line with Home Office guidance, the Partnership (Sandwell’s community safety partnership) commissions and publishes independent reviews into deaths of residents aged 16 or over which have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by a relation, partner or member of the same household.
This review followed Gurnam* murdering his mother Jeera* and stepfather Amrinder*. Gurnam was convicted of their murders and is serving a life sentence.
Maria Fox, Chair of the Safer Sandwell Partnership, said: “On behalf of all partner organisations, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to everyone who has been affected by this extremely sad case.
“As we publish an independent review into this case, we think of the couple’s loved ones who remain devastated by their loss.
“We commissioned this review which highlights a number of areas of learning for organisations.
“It is clear from the report that, over many years of agencies’ involvement with the perpetrator, more could have been done to address his violent behaviour and poor mental health, while also providing better support to his mother and sister who lived with ongoing fear and anxiety about what he would do next.
“This review shows that professionals need to look at the whole family, not just individual family members, when responding to issues such as domestic abuse, including child to parent abuse (CPA).
“The report explains how a number of services’ interactions would be different today – with updated safeguarding policies and procedures and a greater awareness among professionals of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and of child to parent abuse (CPA), which were both key factors in this case.
“There are also a number of recommendations arising from the review to help us continue strengthening the way professionals and agencies work to protect and support individuals and families. Partner organisations have accepted these and made changes as a result.
“Cases like this are rare but utterly devastating for those affected, as well as impacting on the local community. It is therefore vital that we continue to take forward the learning from this review.
“It is also important for people to know that the abuse they are experiencing is not their fault and there are services available to provide help and support.”
The Safer Sandwell Partnership would like to thank all professionals, agencies and a family member who have contributed to this review.
*Pseudonyms are used for family members in this statement and the anonymised Executive Summary and Overview Report reports in line with Home Office guidance for the publication of domestic homicide reviews. The pseudonyms were chosen by a family member. Please note the family representative has requested no contact from the media in relation to this publication.
How services have responded since this case
Here is a brief summary of how partner organisations have strengthened services and implemented recommendations from the review:
- Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership has updated its threshold guidance to help all professionals understand, identify and assess the Early Help needs of the whole family in relation to child to parent abuse (CPA).
- The Safer Sandwell Partnership has produced a Sandwell guidance document on child to parent abuse (CPA), building on Home Office guidance and promoting a multi-disciplinary, holistic, whole family approach to child and adult safeguarding in relation to CPA. This has been widely shared with partners and professionals and is available on this website.
- Additional safeguarding and domestic abuse awareness training has been provided for professionals across partnership organisations, to raise awareness of child to parent abuse (CPA). This has included the launch and embedding of the child to parent abuse (CPA) guidance at safeguarding events and training sessions over the past year.
- Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has introduced a 24/7 helpline 0800 008 6516 for people who require urgent mental health advice and face-to-face support via Sanctuary Hubs available in the evenings and at weekends. The Trust has worked with partners to promote pathways into care, increased specialist mental health workers in A&E departments across the Black Country and strengthened processes. The Trust has also boosted its crisis support, including home treatment options.
- Local NHS partners and adult social care teams have promoted to GPs, hospital and social care staff the rights of a ‘nearest relative’ to request a local authority approved mental health professional assessment for a relative they are concerned about. Sandwell Council has also produced an advice webpage and a guidance leaflet for staff, partner agencies and the wider public on the rights of and process for making such a request.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 put in place wide-ranging measures to protect people experiencing domestic abuse and challenge behaviour of those responsible for abuse.
How to access the reports
You can read the executive summary, overview report and a summary of key learning points.
Help and support
Support is available in Sandwell for anyone who is suffering from abuse.
- Report domestic abuse to the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999. To report non-recent abuse, send officers a message via the Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website.
- Seek specialist support from Black Country Women’s Aid on 0121 552 6448, available 24 hours a day or text/WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri). Go to the Black Country Women's Aid website to speak to an advisor on webchat. Black Country Women’s Aid supports female and male victims of domestic abuse.
- Ask Marc is a service for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. Call 0121 289 6402, email info@askmarc.org.uk or visit the Ask Marc website.
- Birmingham LGBT Centre also provides support services
- You can also contact Sandwell Council’s Housing Solutions Team on 0121 368 1166 (Option 2) or email housing_choice@sandwell.gov.uk
- If you are worried about your own behaviour towards others, call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040.
- Need help after a crime? Victim Support has a free 24/7 helpline 08 08 16 89 111.
- People can also seek help from their GP if they are experiencing domestic abuse.
- Domestic abuse cases are given priority in courts and are always heard before a trained bench and staff who are trained in this field. Specialist third party services are available at courts to support victims and witnesses.
Mental health support – visit our Healthy Sandwell website for a range of support services, including:
- Black Country Mental Health Helpline – call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text message 07860 025 281
- Samaritans – call for free 24/7 on 116 123
- Kaleidoscope Sanctuary Hub – call 0121 289 6111 or 0800 008 6516 (Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm; Sat & Sun 12noon-11pm)
- Rethink Mental Illness – call free on 0808 801 0525 (weekdays) to receive practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care and welfare benefits, living with mental illness, medication and care. Family members, friends or members of the public can obtain support.
- Sandwell Talking Therapies – speak to your GP, self-refer online or call 0121 612 6650 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) - brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health conditions such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress.
- Papyrus (HOPELINEUK for Young People) – call free on 0800 068 4141 (9am-midnight all year round) or text 07860 039 967.
Useful links and information
- Home Office Feedback Letter on Domestic Homicide Review
- Domestic Abuse - advice and support
- Child to Parent Abuse 7 minute briefing
- Child to Parent Abuse: Multi-Agency Information Guidance
- How to make a referral for a Mental Health Act Assessment (including advice on Nearest Relative requests for a Mental Health Act Assessment)