AQW 17149/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/10/2024
Answered On Date: 31/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice (i) whether she is aware of any concerns in relation to legal representation of victims in court proceedings that involve coercive control; and (ii) how her Department is working with the Law Society to ensure expertise in this area.

Answer:

While concerns relating to legal representation of victims of domestic abuse have occasionally been raised with me, training and professional development is a matter for the profession. I understand that both the Law Society and the Bar have offered training on domestic abuse and coercive control to equip their members in cases involving a victim of domestic abuse.