Naomi Long

Addressing a small number of MLAs in the chamber earlier this afternoon, Justice Minister Naomi Long said she was pleased to bring the bill forward, “even though we are working in a most unusual environment”.

The Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill 2020 aims to criminalise patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as physical abuse, against a partner, former partner or family member.

Similar legislation was brought into effect in England and Wales in 2015 and in Scotland in 2019, and a bill for Northern Ireland was originally intended to come before MLAs in 2017.

Ms Long told MLAs: “While this bill is not a panacea, I believe it is not just a positive step in the right direction but perhaps a leap forward in the fight against domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.”

The minister also explained that the legislation would not provide for a definition of domestic abuse or for the establishment of a domestic abuse commissioner, both of which she considers to be “unnecessary”.

Meanwhile, the introduction of domestic violence protection notices and orders (DVPNs and DVPOs) will be dealt with through another piece of legislation to be brought forward next year, she said.

As well as creating a new offence, the legislation will also provide greater protection to victims of domestic abuse by extending the prohibition on cross-examination in person, as well as automatic eligibility for consideration for special measures in criminal proceedings and prohibiting cross-examination in person in family proceedings in certain circumstances.

Where the victim in a relationship is under 18, where a child sees, hears or is present during an incident of abusive behaviour, or where a child is used to abuse a victim, there may be an enhanced sentence under the bill.