The guidance, created by the Belfast Area Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, sets out the legal options available to victims and provides comprehensive information about the criminal and civil law surrounding domestic violence and abuse in Northern Ireland.

Following a suite of positive legislative developments in recent years, the partnership’s protection and justice working group have reviewed and published the guidance to ensure victims are aware of the legal protections and support services offered to them.

Belfast lawyer Claire Edgar, chair of the working group and a partner at Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors, said: “One of our key roles of the protection and justice working group is to consider ways that justice agencies can work together effectively to improve access to justice for victims.

“The legal remedies guidance achieves just that — it brings our collective knowledge and experience together and streamlines it into a cohesive and comprehensive toolkit for those working or living with domestic abuse.

“In recent years there has been a sea change in the legal remedies available for victims of domestic abuse, particularly in the area of criminal law. But the problem of domestic abuse remains as prevalent as ever and the difficulties faced by a victim in an abusive relationship are as daunting and debilitating as ever.

“We hope the legal remedies will help to ensure that victims obtain the protections and support they desperately need in order to help them permanently separate from the perpetrators and end the cycle of abuse.”

The guidance comes less than three weeks after the publication of the Department of Health and Department of Justice’s seven-year domestic and sexual abuse strategy. 

Edel McKenna, chair of the Belfast Area Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, said: “In recent years the legal landscape in Northern Ireland has changed significantly for those seeking protection who have suffered domestic abuse. However navigating the legal system can be a challenging and overwhelming experience.

“This guidance is a vital tool for victims and survivors of domestic abuse to enable them work out what legal remedies they can use to help them break from abusive relationships.

“Knowledge is power and so knowing who to turn to for help and equipping someone with choices and options allows them to gain back control and to rebuild their sense of safety.”