Domestic Violence Prosecutions Fall by 8.5% in Northern Ireland

Strategic Insights -

The latest official statistics reveal that domestic violence prosecutions have decreased by 8.5% in Northern Ireland, despite an increase in reported incidents. A total of 2,501 domestic abuse cases were dealt with by the courts in 2024/25, down from 2,736 cases in the previous year. The rate of successful convictions rose slightly to 56.1%, with the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) handling the cases independently. The issue has raised concerns among local politicians, with the SDLP's Cara Hunter calling for an investigation into the reasons behind the fall in prosecutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of domestic abuse cases dealt with by the courts in Northern Ireland decreased by 8.5% in 2024/25, from 2,736 to 2,501.
  • The rate of successful convictions rose to 56.1% in 2024/25, up from 55.6% in the previous year.
  • Between July 2023 and June 2024, 29,740 domestic abuse incidents were reported in Northern Ireland, representing a rate of 15 incidents per 1,000 people.
  • The SDLP's Cara Hunter expressed concern that the minister had "deflected" the issue and failed to address the real concerns of the public.
  • Support services, such as Women's Aid, Nexus, and the Men's Advisory Project, are often left to "pick up the pieces" in the aftermath of an incident.
  • A candlelit vigil and panel event were held in Lisburn to raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on victims.

Statistics:

  • 2,501 domestic abuse cases were dealt with by the courts in 2024/25.
  • 2,736 domestic abuse cases were dealt with by the courts in 2023/24.
  • 56.1% of domestic abuse cases were successfully convicted in 2024/25.
  • 55.6% of domestic abuse cases were successfully convicted in 2023/24.
  • 29,740 domestic abuse incidents were reported in Northern Ireland between July 2023 and June 2024.
  • 15 domestic abuse incidents were reported per 1,000 people in Northern Ireland between July 2023 and June 2024.

Sources:

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long, quoted by a spokesperson for the Department of Justice in September 2024.
  • SDLP MLA Cara Hunter, quoted by a news article in a local newspaper in September 2024.
  • Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan, quoted by a news article in a local newspaper in September 2024.
  • Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), quoted in a report on domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.