A Safeguarding Adults Partnership Review (SAPR) was published on 28 April 2025 into the death of Irene, a white British woman in her mid 80s who was dependent upon her husband, George, also in his mid 80s.  The review was originally carried out as a joint SAR/Domestic Homicide Review but renamed to more accurately reflect the lived experience of Irene, at the request of her family who are clear that there had not been any incidents of domestic abuse prior to the final violent act by their father, which resulted in both of their parents' deaths.

In April 2022, police were called to Irene and George's home by their cleaner.  The couple were found deceased; Irene was found with a significant head injury and George had apparent self-inflicted injuries.  A note detailing suicide had been left.  Handwriting analysis conducted by Norfolk Constabulary identified that the note was written by George.

The review highlighted themes around:

• Domestic abuse and carer fatigue in older couples
• Engaging directly with vulnerable dependent patients in safe spaces
• Discussions with older patients around partner abuse, carer stress and suicide ideation/planning

Full report

Executive summary