POLICE have made changes to the way they deal with victims of domestic abuse after the murder of Sharon Perrett.

Ms Perrett, 37, was found dead at her home in Park Gardens, Christchurch, in the early hours of Sunday, August 26, 2018. She had been beaten to death by her partner, Daniel O’Malley-Keyes.

A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Perrett had suffered multiple impact injuries to the head, neck, chest and limbs before her death.

There were 82 areas of external bruising or abrasions found. Ms Perrett had also sustained 15 recent fractures to her ribs.

O'Malley-Keyes claimed Ms Perrett had inflicted the injuries herself.

This morning, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Dorset Police have changed their domestic violence policies after Ms Perrett's murder.

Officers from the force had prior contact with the couple in April 2018 when a member of the public reported a domestic disturbance. Police visited the address, but found no crime had been committed.

In May 2018, Ms Perrett went to hospital with rib and torso pain. She said she'd been threatened and assaulted by O’Malley-Keyes around five or six times previously and was referred to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).

A domestic abuse adviser also attempted to contact her about the alleged offences.

IOPC regional director Catrin Evans said the investigation found Dorset Police had made "genuine attempts" to contact Ms Perrett, and made seven calls to her phone. It was later found that the phone was not in use and had been switched off.

There was no indication any police officer had behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence, she said.

However, the force has now carried out a review of their policy into how contact should be made with domestic abuse victims. The policy now suggests alternative methods of communication should be used when phone calls have been unsuccessful.

Officers may be asked to contact family members, providing it is safe to do so.

After making body worn video (BWV) available to all frontline officers, the force has also updated its domestic abuse policy to include the requirement for officers to use it when attending incidents of domestic abuse in line with national guidance.

Ms Evans said: "My thoughts continue to be with Ms Perrett’s family and friends after their devastating loss.

“Our investigation has found that Dorset Police made proactive attempts to contact Ms Perrett in line with established practices and procedures. These attempts to contact Ms Perrett were sadly unsuccessful.

“We note that alternative methods of contact such as attending Ms Perrett’s home were considered but ruled out as inappropriate as they may have alerted the perpetrator to the fact police were involved and put Ms Perrett in immediate danger.”

O'Malley-Keyes, of Chestnut Avenue in Bournemouth, was convicted of murdering Ms Perrett in May 2019. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years.