Northern Ireland family courts could be opened up
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Northern Ireland’s Department of Justice is considering whether journalists should be allowed to report on family court proceedings in response to calls from domestic abuse survivors.
Several women have met with the victims of crime commissioner designate to push for increased transparency in the family courts, UTV reported in March.
“Following concerns raised by victims of domestic abuse, amongst others, my Department has already commenced policy scoping work to consider how the openness of family courts could be increased, whilst continuing to protect the privacy of the families and children involved,” justice minister Naomi Long confirmed last week.
“Subject to the outcome of that work, any legislative change to enable greater media access and reporting would be for the longer term.”
The victims of crime commissioner designate is also now planning to carry out research relating specifically to children’s experiences of the family courts.
“I will consider the findings of that research when it is completed,” Mrs Long added.
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