In March 2023, staff at Sara’s school became increasingly concerned. Sara had been absent, different explanations had been given for her absence, her demeanour had changed, and she was seen with three separate bruises to her face. The school made a safeguarding referral to Surrey Children’s Services. Information was gathered from health partners and Sara’s sibling’s school, and after a telephone conversation with her father the decision was made that no further social work action was required.
A month later, in April 2023, Sara was removed from school for elective home education. From that point she was no longer seen regularly by professionals. On 10 August 2023, ten-year-old Sara Sharif was found dead at the family home. Her father and stepmother were later convicted of her murder, and her uncle was convicted of causing or allowing her death.
Background
Sara was born in the UK and was of dual Polish and Pakistani heritage. Concerns about domestic abuse and parenting capacity existed before she was born, and she was placed on a child protection plan alongside her siblings. Her father had a history of domestic abuse and coercive behaviour. Throughout Sara’s childhood there were repeated social care and court proceedings involving the family.
In 2019, Sara moved from her mother’s care to live with her father and stepmother following family court proceedings. Her mother was not fluent in English and did not have an interpreter during the proceedings, limiting her ability to understand and participate fully.
After moving in with her father, evidence later showed that physical assaults began soon afterwards. During the Covid-19 pandemic Sara was largely unseen outside the home for several months. In June 2022 professionals noticed a bruise, which was explained away. In March 2023, school staff observed further injuries, changes in Sara’s demeanour and attendance, and inconsistent explanations for her absences. They also noted that, following a visit to Pakistan, Sara had started wearing a hijab, which she said was her choice. Staff appropriately shared their concerns with children’s services.
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review concluded that concerns existed throughout Sara’s life, but information was often considered in isolation rather than as a developing pattern. It highlighted the importance of understanding domestic abuse, coercive control, professional curiosity and the risks when children become less visible to professionals.
Adults and professionals involved included:
Teachers and school staff
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Social workers
Health professionals
Family court professionals
Police
Family members including her father, stepmother and uncle
Further learning
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review into the death of Sara Sharif identified recommendations across education, health, social care and policing, including the need to recognise patterns of harm, understand coercive control, and maintain professional curiosity when children become less visible to services.
You can read the full review here:
In memory of Sara Sharif
11th January 2013 - 8th August 2023
Zen Educate Limited is registered in England and Wales.
Office address: Unit 2.01 Canterbury Court, 1–3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE
Registered Office 9th Floor, 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN
Company number 10382721 · VAT No. GB262602523