Victims and survivors waiting 'too long' for progress on cases of domenstic violence
'From listing to initial hearing, domestic violence cases can take more than 100 days' - Emmet Doyle, Aontú
The length of time the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Court system take to progress cases of domenstic violence has been criticised by Aontú Ballyarnett representative, Emmet Doyle.
According to Mr Doyle, the most recent figures available show that, on average, from listing to initial hearing, such a case takes more than 100 days.
"I have been contacted by multiple victims of domestic violence in recent times who have experienced excruciating delays in getting justice and closure for their experiences," said Mr Doyle.
He added: "The Western Trust, for example, has told me that they aim to release medical records to the PSNI for cases within a month, yet I know of cases where people have waited much longer.
"Then, when the case file is ready, the process between the first listing in court and the first hearing is on average 106 days - which doesn't include the timeframe for appeals. I know of cases that have taken significantly longer, adding anguish and frustration for victims and their families.
"I also have a concern about the falling conviction rate for domestic violence prosecutions. Whilst the number of cases being prosecuted in the most recent figures is the highest yet at 3,587 in Magistrates Courts, the conviction rate has fallen from a high of 65.5% in 2020 to the new low of 56.9% in 2023.
"Given the rising number of cases being prosecuted, it is fair to say that the number of cases in the community is rising, and we need to ensure that all stakeholders are expediting requests for information relating to cases."