Guidance

Annex 2: Ministry of Justice Homicide Service - role and responsibilities

Updated 12 February 2026

Applies to England and Wales

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/murder-manslaughter-and-infanticide-of-british-nationals-abroad-memorandum-of-understanding/annex-2-ministry-of-justice-homicide-service-role-and-responsibilities

1. Purpose 

1.1

This Annex sets out the arrangements for support provided to families resident in England and Wales who are bereaved through the murder or manslaughter of a British national abroad through the National Homicide Service.  

2. Scope 

2.1

This Annex applies only to bereaved families (eligible family members – see section 4) resident in England and Wales following a homicide abroad. 

3. Roles and responsibilities 

3.1

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) commissions the National Homicide Service. It is currently delivered by Victim Support. 

3.2

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides information about and refers (with consent) eligible family members to the service. Families may also self-refer to the service by contacting the Homicide Service on 0300 303 1984. On occasion, UK police may also refer. The Homicide Service will discuss with the FCDO/relevant police force before confirming with the individual. 

3.3 

The National Homicide Service assigns a trauma-trained caseworker to each eligible family, providing support as outlined in Section 5. 

4. Eligibility 

4.1

Support is available to bereaved family members resident in England or Wales, defined as: 

  • a spouse, partner, civil partner, parent, child, sibling, step-parent, step-child, step-sibling or dependant of the victim 

  • another family member where none of the above are connected to the victim 

  • a carer to the victim prior to their death, and/or 

  • a carer (either before or as a result of the death) to one or more of the dependants of the victim

5. Support provided 

5.1

The Homicide Service provides support based on the needs of the individual, which may include: 

  • emotional and practical support from a dedicated, trauma-trained caseworker

  • advocacy and support on issues such as accommodation, finance, employment, welfare, and education

  • specialist support including assessment and referrals to bereavement and trauma therapists  

  • peer support (group, one-to-one, online and in person) 

5.2

When a homicide occurs abroad, the Homicide Service can also offer: 

  • support with identification and repatriation of the deceased

  • financial contributions towards, but not limited to, travel and repatriation costs on a case by case basis

  • help with legal advice, translation, and understanding legal proceedings

  • information and advice on dealing with media attention, financial affairs, and practical arrangements following a death abroad

6. Service standards 

6.1

Support is free of charge and available regardless of when the homicide occurred and for as long as required. Service users can re-join the service at any time. Families can expect: 

  • a dedicated caseworker

  • clear information about the support available

  • respect for privacy and confidentiality, and a commitment to respond promptly to communications

Back to top