AQW 40787/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 17/02/2026
Answered On Date: 02/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland's Totally Invisible report, into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors, and children engaging with family court processes.

Answer:

I recognise the seriousness of the issues raised in the Totally Invisible report concerning the experiences of victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and of children involved in private family law proceedings. The report highlights concerns about delays, consistency of practice, and a perceived “pro‑contact” culture within parts of the family justice system. These are important matters that deserve full and careful consideration.

My Department is responsible for the underlying substantive private family law, including the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Responsibility for court operations, judicial training, safeguarding practice, administration of contact services, or the wider family justice system, issues which the report highlights, are matters that fall to other Departments.

I have noted those aspects of the report that relate to the legislative framework and I am committed to ensuring that framework remains appropriate and responsive. To support cross‑departmental work, I have nominated an official from my Department to participate in the Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group being established by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime.