AQW 50147/22-27

Mr Patsy McGlone
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Mid Ulster

Tabled Date: 01/07/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any steps her Department is taking to increase support for victims of domestic violence.

Answer:

I remain committed to enhancing support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they receive the protection, assistance, and access to justice necessary to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

In March 2026, I launched a new six-year Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy. This ambitious, victim-focused strategy aims to deliver meaningful improvements for victims and witnesses, reflecting the experiences and views of those directly affected by crime. It builds on progress under the previous strategy, including annual funding of around £2 million for Victim Support NI to provide services such as emotional support, information and advice, assistance with Criminal Injuries Compensation claims, and referrals to specialist support services to help victims recover from their experiences.

Under the new Strategy, the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill was introduced to the Assembly on 22 June 2026. The Bill includes measures to establish a statutory Victims of Crime Commissioner who will strengthen the voice of victims, including those affected by domestic violence, and drive best practice and improvements across the criminal justice system.

In addition, my Department is continuing to work on a range of new developments to strengthen support and protection for victims of domestic abuse.

A new multi-agency model, Domestic Violence and Abuse Risk Response (DVARR) is being introduced to replace the existing Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and improve responses to high-risk domestic abuse. Whilst some changes have already been introduced, I anticipate that DVARR will be fully operational in the last quarter of this financial year. DVARR will support earlier intervention; strengthen coordination between agencies; and place greater focus on managing perpetrator behaviour. It is intended to deliver enhanced accountability, increased capability for frontline practitioners and improved outcomes for victims and their families.

My Department is also progressing work to introduce a pilot of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders (DAPNs and DAPOs). These measures are intended to provide immediate protection for victims and will enable interventions aimed at addressing abusive behaviour. A police-led pilot, tailored for Northern Ireland and initially focused on Belfast, is being developed in partnership with justice agencies and support organisations.

Victims are also being better supported through the court system. The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 introduced special measures in the civil and family courts, including protection from direct cross-examination by perpetrators and improved access to legal aid. In addition, Remote Evidence Centres (RECs) have been established to allow victims to give evidence away from court buildings in a more supportive environment. A third REC was opened in Craigavon in April this year, and feedback from users has been extremely positive. Building on the success of the RECs, the Domestic Abuse Contest Court in Belfast is providing a safer setting for victims to give evidence, helping to reduce re-traumatisation and support improved prosecution outcomes.

For victims of domestic abuse who have also been subject to sexual offences, further support is available through the Sexual Offences Legal Adviser (SOLA) service for adults and the Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Adviser (CSOLA) service, delivered by Victim Support NI. These services provide free, independent legal advice to complainants in serious sexual offence cases.

In addition, my Department also funds ASSIST NI to provide practical support, information and advocacy to high-risk victims engaged with the criminal justice system, including a dedicated service tailored to the needs of children and young people. Subject to being allocated additional funding from the Transformation Fund, my Department also plans to work with partners to develop a Victim Needs Assessment Service, strengthening support for all victims of crime from the point of reporting.

Alongside these measures, my Department continues to work with partners across government and beyond to deliver the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and support the objectives of the Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

Taken together, these measures demonstrate a comprehensive approach to strengthening support for victims of domestic violence. By improving early intervention, increasing access to protection and support services, enhancing victims’ experiences of the justice system, and addressing the behaviour of perpetrators, my Department is working to ensure that victims receive the protection, assistance and confidence they need to live free from abuse.