The fight against domestic violence is nationwide

The UK's largest police department has carried out reviews of domestic murders to learn how to better protect women.

But some doctors, social workers and other local government officials refused to take part - in some cases because they were afraid of being sued.

Police studied over 50 domestic murders to identify how to intervene in future.

They identified several methods they could use in future to approach reports of abuse before violence escalates with fatal results.

A key part of the process is finding out who knew what about the individuals involved.

Yet some doctors and social workers declined to contribute to police research.

Their legal advisers told them they could be sued if it emerged that they had not followed correct procedures.

Commander Andy Baker, who is in charge of homicide investigation for the Metropolitan Police, says this approach means they cannot draw up a complete picture and possibly prevent future murders.

The Home Office says that under the Domestic Violence Bill currently going through Parliament all agencies can be directed to take part.

Capital punishment

Last September, over 70 charges were brought against offenders by the Metropolitan Police, following a pan-London operation.

Six months on, offenders have been convicted and sentenced - some to prison terms - whilst more than 30 others await trial.

The Metropolitan Police says it handles over 7,650 domestic violence incidents each month, ranging from emotional abuse, controlling a partner's finances and social life, cutting them off from family and friends and rape and physical assault.