Northern Ireland

Consultation launched on protecting domestic abuse victims from cross-examination by abusers

The consultation will examine the views of victims of domestic abuse who have been cross-examinated by their abusers
The consultation will examine the views of victims of domestic abuse who have been cross-examinated by their abusers The consultation will examine the views of victims of domestic abuse who have been cross-examinated by their abusers

A CONSULTATION has been launched on protecting victims of domestic abuse from cross-examination by their abusers.

The Department of Justice wants to heat the views of victims of domestic abuse who have been involved in family proceedings, especially those who have been cross-examined by their abuser in person.

It also wants to hear the thoughts of those who have represented themselves and who may have personally carried out cross-examination of another party or witness.

The options for legislation in the consultation paper include applying a statutory prohibition on cross-examination in person in certain circumstances and giving the court a discretionary power to prevent such cross-examination.

Peter May, permanent secretary for the Department of Justice, said: "The department is committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse right across the justice system and, for this reason we want to consider potential legislative measures to protect victims from being cross-examined by the perpetrator in family courts.

In July, the Domestic Abuse Bill was introduced in Parliament, which includes provision to prevent victims of domestic abuse from being cross-examined in person by perpetrators in family courts in England and Wales and also includes some measures for Northern Ireland, in particular, for a new domestic abuse offence.

Following the outcome of the consultation the department will consider, together with the UK government, whether it would be appropriate for any provision to protect victims of domestic abuse from cross-examination by perpetrators in Northern Ireland to be included in the Bill.

However, it said it may not be possible to proceed to legislate until the Executive and the Assembly are restored.

The consultation will run until September 24.