New initiative to tackle domestic abuse problem in NI

Naomi Long said the aim of the new initiative is to “improve services and responses to victims of domestic abuse” and to reduce the number of deaths.

“Tragically, on average six people are killed every year in Northern Ireland as a result of domestic abuse, and incidents of abuse remain on the rise, not helped by the current Covid-19 pandemic,” Mrs Long said.

“The focus will not be on apportioning blame but on learning and the sharing of good practice to improve how incidents, and indeed victims, of domestic abuse, are responded to.”

The three chairs, Jan Melia, Anne Marks and Nina Noddings, will be supported by a panel comprising various agencies, as well as voluntary and community sector organisations.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “Domestic Abuse is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland as we attend a call in relation to this horrific crime every 17 minutes.

“We therefore welcome the introduction of Domestic Homicide Reviews in Northern Ireland.”

WATCH: Minister introduces Domestic Homicide Reviews