New plan launched to tackle domestic and sex abuse in Northern Ireland

A new seven-year strategy was unveiled today (Wednesday) to to crack down on domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland..

Included is an action plan aimed to protect and support those at risk, bring perpetrators to justice and make Northern Ireland a place where domestic abuse and sexual abuse are not tolerated.

Justice Minister Naomi Long described the level of abuse in Northern Ireland as shocking, with domestic abuse being reported to the PSNI every 16 minutes on average.

Police statistics indicate that officers responded to 32,763 domestic abuse incidents in 2023/24, and almost 20,000 domestic abuse crimes were recorded in the same year.

Within the same period there were more than 4,000 sexual offences recorded by police - an average of one sexual offence recorded every two hours.

Domestic homicide reviews (DHR), which are sparked when an incident results in a death, were introduced in December 2020.

Ms Long said since December 2020, some 20 DHRs have been commissioned, covering 14 female victims and six male victims, with the age range from 21 to 84 years.

The departments of justice and health have jointly published a new domestic and sexual abuse strategy for Northern Ireland along with an initial three-year action plan to support its delivery.

Ms Long launched the strategy at the NSPCC in Belfast with stakeholders where she described a commitment to creating a society where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated.

"We know that domestic and sexual abuse transcends boundaries of gender, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity," she said.

"It is insidious and pervading, leaving an indelible mark. Its victims are those who have been directly impacted by it and those who have witnessed it, or who live in its formidable shadow.

"We are committed to creating a society in Northern Ireland where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated, where victims receive the support they need and where those responsible are held to account.

"This strategy is our sincere attempt to deliver on that aim, so that no-one has to live in fear of abuse."

Ms Long and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also announced a children's sexual offences legal advisers (SOLA) scheme, which will provide free legal advice to children and young people affected by sexual crime, as well as a small grant scheme to support the invaluable work provided by the community and voluntary sector.

Mr Nesbitt, who was not at the event due to illness, said in a statement: "Everyone has the right to live a life that is safe and free from the fear of domestic and sexual abuse. That is the ultimate aim of this strategy.

"We are building on what we know works, on evidence-based practice, and we will continue to listen to the voices of those with lived experience.

"Partnership is a key thread running through this strategy. If we are going to tackle domestic and sexual abuse, we need to work together. None of us can do this alone."

Bronagh Muldoon, assistant director at NSPCC Northern Ireland, welcomed the strategy.

"Sexual abuse in childhood can have a long-lasting negative impact that can reach into adulthood," she said.

"Domestic abuse always has an impact on children. They do not have to hear or witness it, simply living in a home where domestic abuse takes place can cause immense trauma.

"The strategy is an important milestone and provides a focus on key areas that require cross-government action.

"NSPCC NI is committed to working with government and our partners to prevent, recognise and respond to child sexual abuse and domestic abuse in Northern Ireland."