Commissioner takes campaigning on domestic abuse related deaths to Westminster

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is working in collaboration with AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) and recently took the campaign to change the law on domestic abuse-related deaths to Westminster, calling for the creation of a new standalone criminal offence to deliver justice for victims and their families.

At a high-level parliamentary roundtable chaired by Jess Asato MP and organised by Frank Mullane, CEO of AAFDA, and Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, bereaved families and leading voices from law, academia, the third sector and public services came together to explore, challenge and drive momentum for urgent legislative or systemic reform.

The discussion focused on strengthening the evidence base and building cross-government support to recognise the link between domestic abuse and suicide within criminal law.

Commissioner Grunshaw set out the reality facing Lancashire, including the growing number of cases where coercive and controlling behaviour is a significant contributing factor in suicide, and highlighted why existing legal frameworks are not sufficient to secure accountability.

He spoke about the proactive work already underway within Lancashire Constabulary to improve the investigation of these complex cases but made clear that practice alone is not enough without stronger laws to underpin it.

The Commissioner also referenced last year’s landmark multi-agency conference on preventing domestic abuse-related deaths and confirmed plans to reconvene partners as momentum builds nationally, with cases progressing through the courts and ongoing engagement with Government.

Frank Mullane said: “Following publication of our paper proposing a change in the law, in September 2025, we have worked with the Lancashire PCC, Clive Grunshaw, to further build the case for changing the law, to ensure justice for those victims who take their own life because of domestic abuse.

"This is a matter of public protection as the current system is seemingly inadequate, in these cases, as regards holding dangerous offenders to account. And, the bereaved families are left stunned to live their lives without answers and without justice.”

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“I was proud to take our campaign for change to Westminster and make the case for a new standalone offence that recognises the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, including when it leads to suicide. It is fantastic to be collaborating on this campaign with Frank Mullane and we are actively engaged with understanding what the next steps of our campaign look like.

“Too often, these deaths are not fully understood or recognised in law. Families are left without answers, and perpetrators are not held properly to account. That cannot be right.

“We are clear, where domestic abuse, particularly coercive and controlling behaviour plays a significant role in someone taking their own life, the law must reflect that. We need a legal framework that matches the reality victims face.

“In Lancashire, we are doing everything we can to improve investigations, bring offenders to justice and protect those at risk. But we cannot do this alone. This is about national change.

“By working across government, policing, health, and the third sector, we can close this gap in the law, deliver justice for families, and ultimately save lives.

“Domestic abuse is an insidious crime that strips away control, dignity and hope. Recognising its role in these deaths is a vital step in tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring no victim is overlooked.”