A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a 22-year-old woman was found in south Belfast.
Mary Ward was found dead by police officers at her home on Melrose Street on 1 October.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that following a review of its previous engagement with Ms Ward, the case has been referred to the office of the Police Ombudsman.
“Whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, we are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response,” a PSNI statement said.
Head of public protection branch, Det Ch Supt Fisher, said Ms Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in the last six weeks.
“This is absolutely appalling,” she continued. “Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence.
“As a police service we recently revised our Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan and adopted the new national framework to align our response to this violence with that of terrorism and serious organised crime.
“The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less.
“We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators.”
Combating violence against women and girls (VAWG) has been rising up the list of police and political priorities recently.
Two years ago, the PSNI launched an action plan.
This was followed by an Executive Office strategy published last month.
It is in response to the fact more than 30 women and girls have been murdered in Northern Ireland in the last five years.
In the 12 months to July, the PSNI recorded 22,400 VAWG-related offences.
The PSNI has said this is a 16% drop year-on-year and shows some progress is being made.
However, it accepts there is still much to be done by it – and wider society.
Det Ch Insp Foreman, who is leading the major investigation team, added: “Our thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mary’s loved ones, who have been devastated and are struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
Police believe Ms Ward was last seen alive on 25 September.
They have appealed for anyone who may have seen or been in contact with her close or on that date to get in touch.