An examination of the assessment of suicide for those who have experienced intimate partner abuse: A cross-cultural comparison between policing in Hong Kong and Scotland

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is widely discussed and researched; however, its relationship with suicide is often not considered within policing approaches in intimate partner abuse cases. This research examines how and whether suicide risk is considered in policing policy and guidance when working with these cases, focusing on two national police forces: Police Scotland and the Hong Kong Police Force. The research aimed to identify what policies and guidance were present to support frontline officers across the two nations’ police forces to assess risk of suicide in intimate partner abuse cases. It further aimed to investigate whether there were similarities in the two nation’s approaches, where differences were present, and any areas of shared practice and opportunities for learning. The research applied a qualitative research approach, involving two case studies: one conducted in Scotland and the other on Hong Kong. Each case study primarily employed documentary analysis to examine the key policy and practice guidance. This was supplemented with ethnographic observations, key informant interviews, and researcher reflection and reflexivity. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis and findings from the two case studies were triangulated. From this research, it is evident that the guidance that does exist across the two nations does not fully support frontline police officers in conducting an appropriate risk assessment to distinguish a level of risk for suicide in intimate partner abuse cases. There is no appropriate tool in circulation to assess the risk for suicide in partner abuse victims. The significance of collaborative partnerships between police and appropriate mental healthcare practitioners was identified as paramount. The cross-cultural comparison has afforded a rich understanding in similar practices across Scottish and Hong Kong policing, and to identify potential learning opportunities. Further exploration is required to develop and employ an appropriate risk assessment tool to prevent suicide deaths that occur as a result of intimate partner abuse.