Northern Ireland

Domestic Abuse Bill introduced to the Assembly

Justice Minister, Naomi Long. Picture Mal McCann.
Justice Minister, Naomi Long. Picture Mal McCann. Justice Minister, Naomi Long. Picture Mal McCann.

A Bill that will create a new offence of coercive control for Northern Ireland has been introduced to the assembly.

Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA introduced the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill yesterday.

The new offence will include controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as physical abuse, against a partner, former partner or family member.

The legislation to close a gap in the law and ensure that protection for victims is not limited to physically violent behaviour, and will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Ireland.

The Minister said she was "committed to ensuring that victims of domestic abuse are afforded the proper protection".

"This legislation will make domestic abuse, in all its forms, a criminal offence and is not limited to physically violent behaviour.

"From speaking to victims and survivors it is clear that psychological abuse in a domestic setting can be as damaging as physical abuse, if not more so", Mrs Long added.