Naomi Long

Justice Minister Naomi Long launched the consultation following a review on the use of ‘consent to serious harm for sexual gratification’ as a defence.

Last June, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) recommended that the Department of Justice should review how potential inadequacies in current legislation regarding the act of choking or strangulation by defendants could be addressed.

Mrs Long said: “In light of CJINI’s report, I commissioned a full review to identify and address any inadequacies in the current legislation regarding choking and strangulation.

“Following an amendment to the Westminster Domestic Abuse Bill, I have broadened the review to include consent to serious harm for sexual gratification not being a defence, sometimes known as the ‘rough sex’ defence.

“I have given this aspect of the wider review of strangulation policy and legislation priority to allow earlier consideration of actions to tackle this important issue. The consultation process covering this defence will give victims, stakeholders and other interests the opportunity to contribute to shaping our future policy and legislation in this challenging area.”

The consultation, which is available online, will run for eight weeks from 9 November to 4 January 2021.