Concern at slow progress in implementing Domestic Abuse Act
'Despite progress in responding to domestic abuse, the criminal justice system still needs significant improvement' - Cllr Christopher Jackson
Derry City and Strabane District councillor Christopher Jackson (Sinn Féin) has expressed his concern that the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act has still not been fully implemented.
Responding to the CJINI report into the operation of the Act, the Waterside Councillor said: "Four years after the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act, it is concerning that due to failures in the criminal justice system its full potential is not being realised.
"The Review of the Effectiveness of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021 report demonstrates that despite progress in responding to domestic abuse, the criminal justice system still needs significant improvement," added Cllr Jackson.
"Training across the system is not meeting the requirements of the Act, children are being failed, and victims still face significant difficulties reporting abuse and accessing support.
"Sinn Féin is committed to tackling the scourge of domestic abuse and we will engage with the Justice Minister and justice agencies to ensure the Act is implemented in full."