Reforms will tackle domestic abuse and gender-based violence – Minister Long

Justice Minister Naomi Long

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced a sweeping package of reforms aimed at tackling domestic abuse, sexual violence and wider gender-based harm, marking a significant step forward in protecting victims and holding offenders to account.

Speaking as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) marked the third anniversary of its action plan on violence against women and girls, the Minister underlined her determination to close legal loopholes and strengthen victim support services.

Mrs Long said:

“Since taking up post, I have been tireless in my commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence. Criminalising stalking, upskirting / downblousing, non-fatal strangulation, and spiking closes long-standing legal gaps and sends a clear message that such violence and intimidation will not be tolerated in our society.

“I also intend to make the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of adults a criminal offence and I am currently consulting on these proposals.”

Stronger protections and rising prosecutions

The Justice Minister highlighted the impact of new laws already in place.

“During the period 2023 to 2024 there were 206 prosecutions for stalking offences and 344 for non-fatal strangulation. This clearly demonstrates the new laws are working and are affording protections as never before,” she said.

In addition to legislative changes, the Department of Justice has expanded victim-centred initiatives, including the Sexual Offences Legal Advisors Scheme (SOLA).

“Cases involving a sexual offence can be some of the most traumatic. The SOLA scheme helps victims navigate the criminal justice system and provides survivors with independent legal support up to the point the trial begins.

“To date the scheme has provided free legal advice and support to more than 2,000 victims. Given the success of the scheme, I have expanded it to include child victims.”

Domestic Abuse Contest Courts success

Mrs Long also pointed to the development of Domestic Abuse Contest Courts (DACC), supported by the Belfast Remote Evidence Centre (REC).

So far, 11 DACC days have been held, covering 51 cases.

“The conviction rate for DACC cases stands at 90%. Well over half are by guilty plea with the witness not required to give oral evidence.

“Feedback from victims, the judiciary and criminal justice partners has been overwhelmingly positive and indeed many victims have indicated they would not have continued with their cases had it not been for the DACC and the ability to give evidence from a REC.”

Cultural and behavioural change needed

However, the Minister emphasised that legislation alone will not solve the problem.

“Legislation alone cannot solve these problems. Society can no longer turn a blind eye or accept such actions as part of ‘normal’ life. We must challenge old-school attitudes that enable such abuse and instead empower our communities to intervene. If we can bring about cultural and behavioural change, coupled with the legal protections, we can help create a safer society for all.”

The Department continues to work with The Executive Office in delivering the Programme for Government priority action to End Violence Against Women and Girls.