PSNI prepares officers for launch of new domestic abuse legislation

The legislation is due to come into force early next year and the PSNI says it will have “a hugely positive impact” by providing the tools needed to arrest and prosecute offenders.

As well as coercive control, which includes psychological abuse and non-violent intimidation, becoming an offence, the effect that domestic abuse can have on children is also reflected in the legislation

This will include enhanced sentences in cases where the victim in a relationship is aged under 18, where a child sees, hears or is present during an incident of abuse, and where a child is used to abuse a victim.

Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long said a number of changes will be made to criminal procedures, evidence and sentencing in domestic abuse-related cases as a result.

Speaking at the ‘virtual’ Public Protections Arrangements NI (PPANI) agencies’ annual Special Interest Seminar to discuss the impact of the new legislation, Ms Long said: “This legislation is an important step in changing the conversation we have about domestic abuse.

“There is no shame in being a victim of domestic abuse or coercive control. The shame lies with the abuser. Completion of this legislation will play a crucial part in giving victims the courage to know that they are not in the wrong, they have nothing to be ashamed of, they will be listened to, to know the system works and importantly that it has their back.”

In 12 months from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, there were 31,848 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland

Currently 252 Category 2 and Category 3 (requirement for multi-agency management and review every 16 weeks) offenders are being assessed and managed under the multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements in Northern Ireland, 87 of which are in relation to domestic abuse offences.

Ms Long said the new legislation will “close a gap in current PPANI arrangements to include consideration on non-violent perpetrators, with abuse in the form of coercive control”.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Anthony McNally, who currently chairs the PPANI Senior Management Board, said: “This legislation will have a hugely positive impact with a clear definition on what constitutes domestic abuse and provide further tools needed to arrest and prosecute offenders.

“It was important to get agencies together to discuss our preparedness to date and share learning and good practice. The title of our seminar this year was ‘Working Together to Tackle Domestic Abuse’ – this is fitting as one agency alone can’t combat these crimes.

“By working together we can make sure we are ready for the launch of this legislation so that it has the impact it should, that our most vulnerable are supported and safeguarded, offenders are brought justice and that they are then effectively managed if they re-enter our communities.”

The PPANI Strategic Management Board is made up of representatives including probation, prisons, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Health Trusts, and victims’ organisations. These agencies gathered to discuss their plans to implement this legislation into their everyday practices, making training ahead of its launch a top priority.

Ms Long, who welcomed the commitment demonstrated by those attending the seminar to ensure the new legislation has a positive impact, added: “Training will be essential to the success of the offence and this is now the focus of my department, as well as our statutory and voluntary sector partners.

“Public awareness is also key. I am committed to ensuring that everyone recognises that domestic abuse, whether physical or non-physical, has no place in the homes of Northern Ireland and will not be tolerated. I welcome the coming together of partners to discuss this important issue.”