Here are five recent individual cases of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence that ended tragically — each of them includes warning signs or previous attempts by the victim to seek help.
1. Kyriaki Griva (Greece)
- Date: 1 April 2024. Wikipedia
- Summary: Kyriaki had previously separated from her partner, accused him of rape, and obtained a restraining order. She went to a police station and reported him loitering outside her home but was told a vehicle couldn’t be sent. She left the station and was stabbed outside by her ex-partner. Wikipedia
- Warning signs: Past abuse complaint, restraining order, direct threat.
- Systemic failure: Police failed to respond effectively when she asked for transport and protection.
2. Chahinez Daoud (France)
- Date: The attack occurred 4 May 2021; trial in 2025. Le Monde.fr
- Summary: Chahinez had been subjected to severe coercive control and violence by her ex-husband. She made multiple complaints (including past strangulations and threats). Despite clear risk, police responses were inadequate. Eventually she was burned alive by her ex-husband. Le Monde.fr
- Warning signs: Known perpetrator, repeated abuse, prior complaints.
- Systemic failure: Official investigations identified professional failings in the police response to her complaints.
3. Lucy‑Anne Rushton (UK)
- Date: Murder in 2019; inquest December 2024 revealed failures. People.com
- Summary: Lucy-Anne, a mother of five, had been severely abused by her estranged husband. Evidence showed police failed to investigate assaults properly (including CCTV footage and reports). She was murdered in 2019. People.com
- Warning signs: Years of abuse, multiple police contacts.
- Systemic failure: Police agencies failed to act on key evidence, leading to her death.
4. Giulia Cecchettin (Italy)
- Date: November 2023. AP News+1
- Summary: Giulia, a 22-year-old student, was found murdered by her former boyfriend. Her killing spurred national debate on femicide in Italy. It’s not clear from the summary whether she had made formal complaints beforehand, but the case highlights intimate-partner danger. Wikipedia
- Warning signs: Former partner, breaking up, risk escalation.
- Systemic failure: Raises questions about prevention and early intervention.
5. Unnamed Woman (West Yorkshire, UK)
- Date: Between February 2024 (referral) and her death six weeks later. Police Conduct
- Summary: West Yorkshire Police responded to six incidents involving this woman and a man (domestic abuse, fighting, threats). The victim reported threats to kill her. Enquiries stalled due to victim/witness engagement issues. She was found dead in her home weeks later. Police Conduct
- Warning signs: Multiple incidents, clear threats, police contact.
- Systemic failure: The investigation was closed due to “difficulties” even though risk was high.
