AQW 51933/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 04/12/2015
Answered On Date: 16/12/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail the number of murder convictions, which were related to domestic violence, in each year since 2011; and how he is working with the (i) PSNI; and (ii) Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety address this issue.

Answer:

My Department was aware that in the past information could not be obtained regarding convictions where a case related to domestic violence and abuse. Therefore in April 2015 a mechanism was established which will allow such data to be produced. Information covering the period April 2015 – March 2016 should be available in mid-2016, but it is not possible to detail the number of murder convictions related to domestic violence and abuse prior to April 2015.

In taking forward the justice elements of the draft Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy I have instructed Officials to develop an appropriate model to enable the identification of lessons learned and to improve the response to cases of domestic homicide in Northern Ireland. My officials will continue to liaise with PSNI and DHSSPS officials during this project.