Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has unanimously supported a call for the Chief Constable to instigate an independent, strategic review into the handling of all deaths featuring potential domestic violence, particularly those deemed as suicide or accidental.

A Motion tabled by Councillor Emmet McAleer, Independent, also sought the establishment of a mechanism for police officers to raise concerns around such deaths, including if they are being overruled or ordered not to investigate, alongside an expansion of whistleblower policies within Health Trusts to support staff alerting police to concerns on victims.

He told members the Motion was driven after learning of a long-term victim of domestic abuse, who was supposedly rescued from a suicide attempt, and her subsequent death “was almost casually and conveniently treated as such by certain authorities”. He added: “She never regained consciousness to explain what really happened. Those voicing concerns were ignored.”

Councillor McAleer outlined how a small group put up a ‘David and Goliath’ fight until the matter was finally taken seriously. A new PSNI team took over, quickly followed by an arrest and a murder charge. Others face prosecution around a cover-up.

Following further details about this specific case, Councillor McAleer concluded by saying: “Only the resolve of a few kept the fight going. Uncomfortable though it may be, a review is critical, given the apparent ease [with which] this case almost slipped through, unseen, unheard and unknown – much like domestic abuse itself.”

Seconding, Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent, told members recent statistics show Northern Ireland is the highest place for domestic violence in Western Europe, jointly tied with Romania.

“Sadly, we continue to see high numbers of women die through domestic homicide. The message must be where there are suspicious circumstances, the public will have confidence such matters will be fully investigated.

“Any member of the PSNI or health services should feel free to raise concerns, even if they were not taken on board by the relevant authorities ... I believe this Motion will save lives.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Siobhan Currie welcomed the designation of domestic violence as a standalone offence because “before that, abuse was hidden”.

She added: “We are very supportive of getting to the crux of whether proper investigations were carried out ... It’s heart-breaking, hearing the detail of what drove this Motion.”

Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, Independent, pointed to a global problem of how domestic violence is treated by governments, judicial systems and police.

“We all know the clearance rates for domestic violence are exceptionally low, as with rape. The case referenced is hugely concerning.

“We need to know how many more and why these deaths are not investigated as potential domestic violence instances. It’s shocking to have a Motion like this before us, but hopefully we’ll get some truth.”

Independent Councillor Bernice Swift supported the Motion, although she felt the Chief Constable should have no role in an investigation, but rather the Minister for Justice should set up an independent body.

“This is a most pressing issue which has not been accorded proper investigation,” she said.

“The thrust of the Motion suggests obvious ambivalence of police toward domestic violence investigations thus far.

“But we can make a positive difference for domestic violence victims, so shamefully let down by investigative structures. Without a doubt, questions need [to be] asked.”

Final speaker, Councillor Anne-Marie Fitzgerald, Sinn Fein, remarked: “This is a highly emotive Motion. Domestic violence is very much behind the doors. It’s unspoken, and people can be reluctant to listen or see the marks.

“There has to be proper investigation and nobody is below the law. We can never take our eye off the ball in domestic violence.

“This is a really good initiative, and hopefully it will empower others to notify authorities of anyone they think is being harmed.”

The Motion passed unanimously and will be shared with the PSNI Minister for Justice, the Police Ombudsman, Policing the Board, Commissioner for Human Rights and all district councils with a view to adopting the content.