Women’s Aid have been campaigning for legislation in relation to coercive and controlling behaviour for many years to bring NI into line with the rest of the UK and Ireland.
We would like to recognise the swift response from our Justice Minister since the restoration of our local assembly in bringing in this legislation after a three-year absence and we have had an opportunity to discuss our views on the legislation and what is needed to give the public confidence in our justice system in relation to domestic abuse and abuse. We realise that this is the first stage and there is still work to be done but are confident that through our consultation with the Justice Committee and the Justice Minister Women’s Aid’s views will be listened to and taken forward.
Women’s Aid recognises the difficult situation the entire country is currently facing with Covid-19 and we are aware that our government departments must prioritise urgent need for the community in an ever-changing environment.
Women’s Aid are still here, supporting women, children and young people living with domestic abuse and abuse.