AQW 33173/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/10/2025
Answered On Date: 21/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the consultation her Department has had with organisations, such as Women’s Aid, regarding the commencement and operation of (i) Domestic Abuse Protection Orders; and (ii) Domestic Abuse Protection Notices.

Answer:

I fully recognise the vital role that voluntary and community sector partners, including Women’s Aid, play in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Their knowledge, experience, and the work they do on the frontline are invaluable in helping shape effective policy and practice.

Departmental officials have been engaging with these partners as part of the development of the model for the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in Northern Ireland. A roundtable meeting was held in June this year with representatives from the PSNI and a number of voluntary and community organisations, at which officials provided an update on learning from the pilot area in Croydon. Colleagues from Scotland also attended to share insights from their own experience of implementing Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Notices, including the learning and challenges being encountered within that jurisdiction. A visit to a second pilot area has been arranged and the delegation includes a representative from the voluntary and community sector.

As work to develop and implement the Northern Ireland model continues, officials will maintain regular engagement with voluntary and community sector partners to ensure their views and expertise continue to inform the approach.