Conference marks one year since NI Domestic Abuse Act enacted

(Pictured: Chair of the Bar of NI, Moira Smyth KC, opens the conference in Belfast)

The Bar of Northern Ireland marked just over one year of since the commencement of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021 with a conference in Belfast bringing together a range of local and international practitioners.

The conference mapped out the prevalence, scale and impact of domestic violence and its effect on victims and survivors, recapped on Northern Ireland’s legislative framework, and examined progress after the first year of implementation.

Conference participants included academic practitioners and policy makers from America, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland alongside contributions from local voices including former Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA and Professor Monica McWilliams.

Around two hundred delegates attended the conference, drawn from the solicitor and barrister professions, statutory agencies and third sector organisations.

Chair of the Bar of NI, Moira Smyth KC provided the conference welcome and commented:

“The domestic abuse legislation was described at the time of its enactment as having the potential to save lives. It can only be described as a much-needed piece of legislation with the intent of addressing horrific rates of domestic abuse and homicide across our jurisdiction.

“The reality remains however, that lives continue to be lost in spite of the introduction of this legislation and time is needed for its full implementation across the legal and justice system.”

Moira Smyth KC continued:

“A whole society approach is needed to prevent domestic abuse and, in particular, violence against women and girls alongside a trauma informed response to incidents.

“That’s why I am pleased that we brought people together through the conference, revisiting the scale and prevalence of domestic abuse, exploring ways to use our new legislative framework to its full potential and looking at innovative ways to support victims and survivors alongside dealing with perpetrators.”

ENDS

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