New Domestic Abuse Offences Come Into Force

A number of new domestic abuse offences have come into force in Northern Ireland, with Justice Minister Naomi Long stating that "domestic abuse in all its forms, both physical and non-physical, is wrong and will not be tolerated".

The Minister was speaking as an advertising campaign was launched to raise awareness of the new offence within the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, which has now come into force.

Protection is no longer limited to physical abuse, with the legislation criminalising a pattern of non-physical abusive behaviour. The new domestic offence will cover behaviour that is controlling or coercive or that amounts to psychological, emotional or financial abuse of another person.

Abusive behaviour may also include sexual abuse and technological or digital abuse. It will capture patterns of two or more occasions of physical and/or psychological abuse by a partner, ex-partner or close family member and will include behaviour that is physically violent, threatening or intimidating.

Domestic abuse will also be recognised in other offences, with the potential for increased sentencing up to the maximum available. This will apply where there is a single incident that is there isn't a pattern of abusive behaviour. Abusive behaviour can include making a victim dependent, isolating them from support, exploiting them, restricting their freedom or controlling their everyday activity.

Domestic abuse represents approximately 20% of the overall crime reported to the Police Service, with an average of one report every 17 minutes.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne has described today as a 'defining moment for our criminal justice system'.

He said: "This legislation will support victims and will provide police with a clear definition on what constitutes domestic abuse with access to further tools to arrest and prosecute offenders and prevent harm."

Naomi Long said: "Domestic abuse is wrong and will not be tolerated, not by our community and crucially now not by the law. No longer will those that abuse a loved one, be that a partner, former partner, or a close family member be able to evade justice. Abusers will be punished.

"The changes brought forward today will help many people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, class, race or religion. This is particularly important given that anyone can be a victim, just as anyone can be an abuser."

There are two child aggravators associated with the domestic abuse offence, a statutory aggravation of domestic abuse associated with any other offence, and a number of associated changes to criminal procedures, evidence and sentencing in domestic abuse related cases. Provision has also been made in relation to protection of victims at court, civil legal aid for victims of abuse, guidance and operational matters (including independent oversight) related to the new offence.

Chief Constable Byrne added: "Officers and staff members within the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been trained to recognise and respond to reports of coercive control and how to use the new powers they now have to safeguard children that witness any form of domestic abuse.

"Domestic abuse is not just physical. As of today, we are now empowered to address what has been invisible, in plain sight, for so long.

"Victims don't have to suffer in silence. We, the Police Service, are here for you."

The legislation also enhances the measures available to protect victims of domestic abuse and other offences giving evidence in family courts and other civil cases.