Before COVID-19 hit domestic incidents in Northern Ireland were at a 15 year high. The situation has worsened since the enforcement of lockdown. Since 1 April 2020 the number of domestic abuse calls received by the PSNI has been consistently higher than average. Meanwhile, the long overdue Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill has been introduced to the NI Assembly by Justice Minister, Naomi Long. This will create a new domestic abuse offence intended to capture patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour – as well as physical abuse – against a partner, former partner, or family member. While the bill has received a predominantly positive response from civil society, some aspects of the legislation have been criticised for failing to adequately protect victims. This webinar will look at the spiralling problem of domestic abuse in NI and consider how legislation – and other measures – can begin to remedy it.

Speakers include:

• Kendall Bousquet (Migrant Centre NI)
• Trása Canavan (Barnardo’s)
• Edel Fox (Omagh Women’s Aid)

Register here