To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the operation of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021.

The Domestic Abuse offence came into operation on Monday 21st February.

The offence closes a gap in the current law and ensures that protection is not limited to physically violent behaviour, as at present.

It sends a clear message that domestic abuse in all its forms, both physical and non-physical, is wrong and will not be tolerated.

A wide range of work has also been undertaken to supplement the introduction of the new offence, including producing an eLearning package developed in conjunction with voluntary sector partners; a new public facing digital awareness raising tool; and a multi-media advertising campaign that will encourage reporting and signpost people to support services.

In relation to family proceedings, courts hearing applications for residence or contact orders in respect of a child will now be required to have specific regard to the conviction of the party applying for the order for a domestic abuse offence involving the child. Work is ongoing to implement the other family justice provisions in the Act that will support victims of domestic abuse to give their best evidence.

Section 28 of the Domestic Abuse Act, which provides a waiver for the means test for legal aid for victims of domestic abuse who need to respond to Article 8 Children Order applications brought by their abusive partner, came into effect on 22 February 2022.

My Department is currently developing the report required by section 29 of the Act. The report will set out additional proposals to reduce the financial impact of Article 8 proceedings for victims of domestic abuse.