AQW 10155/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 12/11/2020
Answered On Date: 24/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice, in relation to the proposed tender from her Department for a domestic and sexual violence advocacy service, to detail her concerns regarding the opposition from stakeholder groups in relation to the All Population Role for this proposed service.

Answer:

I am aware of the extensive consultation, over a prolonged period of engagement, with key voluntary sector partners on the development of an advocacy service. I am grateful for their valuable contribution to this important initiative to date.

I remain of the view that provision of a singular service presents the best way forward in delivering effective advocacy support to victims across Northern Ireland and within the funding that may be available.

Providing support for victims, regardless of their gender, age or where they live in Northern Ireland remains at the centre of what we are seeking to achieve with introduction of this new service.

The singular service approach was chosen because of the intrinsic link between both domestic and sexual violence and abuse and also because of the commonality in the specifics of the advocacy role proposed for the new service across both victim areas.

The role of the advocate was developed following extensive scoping in terms of both local provision, as well as that available in neighbouring jurisdictions. A singular service approach presents the most effective use of resources locally to meet the needs of victims, ensuring consistency in approach and transferability of skill set by the advocates. It will also help ensure that support can be more readily targeted according to the level of need identified, where advocates skilled in both disciplines will be able to cover a more extensive remit and more effectively.

Any tender documentation issued will be clear on the need to provide safe and effective services to address all of the needs outlined within a singular service. Whilst our initial intent had been that this service could be delivered via a consortium to reflect the variety of specialisms across the sector, I understand that two key local voluntary sector organisations could not reach agreement on who would lead in such a consortium and in the absence of agreement, our procurement advice is to proceed to tender.