Publication date:
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has partnered with Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland to release a short video to help inform and support victims of domestic abuse. The video features PPS Victim Champion Marianne O’Kane and Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland Chief Executive Sarah Mason, who discuss the impact of domestic abuse on victims and how the PPS handles these complex and sensitive cases. The video also addresses common questions from victims and outlines the support available to them.
PPS Victim Champion and Senior Assistant Director Marianne O’Kane said: “Domestic abuse can be subtle and takes many forms – including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial or virtual abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour. Although victims are predominantly women and girls, domestic abuse cuts across all strands of society and affects men and boys as well. Anyone can be a victim or a perpetrator.
“Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority of the PPS. Our prosecutors are trained to understand how complex domestic abuse can be, and the impact of trauma on victims and witnesses including children who may witness it. We consider every case of domestic abuse we receive from police carefully, sensitively and objectively. We will not hesitate to prosecute if a case meets our legal Test for Prosecution.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Women’s Aid Federation NI for this video, and value their expertise and insight in supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. We hope it will help inform all victims of domestic abuse about what they can expect from the criminal justice system if they take the brave step of reporting their experiences to police and going through the criminal justice system.”
Sarah Mason, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid Federation NI said: “Women’s Aid across NI have supported 7,637 women and 5,293 children this year within outreach services, and 527 women and 291 children in refuge. Our support within the services includes emergency accommodation and outreach support in the community, but for many women it includes the need for support at court.
“We hear of the challenges that women face within the criminal justice system and it is essential that they are able to get the support they need through Women’s Aid being their eyes, ears and voice. Women’s Aid believe our successful partnership working with all key stakeholders is invaluable but in particular, our work with PPS to understand the challenges women face in attending court. For women to fully access remedies to justice, it is essential that we continue to work collectively and provide open and transparent communication.
“To have the opportunity to provide awareness and insight into domestic abuse through joint training and workshops educates not only the PPS but also Women’s Aid to be able to provide a better service for all women throughout Northern Ireland attending court and having to go through what is an extremely difficult and traumatic process.”
Ms O’Kane underlined the importance of reporting abuse, and urged victims not to suffer in silence.
“We know that domestic abusers will rarely stop on their own. If you are experiencing abuse, please report it to the police. There is help available. I want to assure victims that we in the PPS work with police to ensure victims are treated with respect and given clear information, whatever the outcome of their case.”
Call to Action:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please report it to the police by calling 101 in a non-emergency and 999 in an emergency.
ENDS
Notes to editors
There is more information about how the PPS handles cases involving domestic abuse on the website
All cases are handled in line with the PPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Abuse
Women’s Aid is a leading voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland addressing domestic abuse and providing services for women and children. More information can be found on their website
For media enquiries to the PPS, please contact the PPS Communications Team inside office hours by emailing ppspressoffice@ppsni.gov.uk. The out of hours press officer can be contacted on 07920 271804, 07920 418844 or 07341 800254.