In 2023, Beyond the Streets published the first known analysis of Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews through a sex industry lens, and revealed significant gaps in how the experiences of people selling and/or exchanging sex were understood. 

Our latest research report, Lessons Lost? A Further Analysis of Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews Involving Those Selling and/or Exchanging Sex, builds on this research through the analysis of 44 reviews where sex industry involvement was identified. Drawing together key themes and learning from across the reviews, the report explores how the experiences of people selling and/or exchanging sex been responded to and considers the extent to which lessons from previous reviews have been implemented.  

Our analysis found that even when people involved in the sex industry were highly visible to services, opportunities for earlier intervention and protection were missed. In many cases, the individual’s experiences of selling and/or exchanging sex were not understood, which limited agencies’ ability to assess risk and respond effectively. The report analyses recurring themes across reviews, identifies areas where practice, partnership working and professional understanding needs to be strengthened, and considers what is needed to improve responses and prevent similar failings in the future.