Question for the Minister of Justice

Minister's Answer

Together with the Minister of Health, I am finalising a new seven-year domestic and sexual abuse strategy, with input from the Department of Education, the Department for Communities and the Executive Office. The draft strategy is built around five pillars: partnership; prevention; children and young people; support and provision; and justice. It will provide the basis for a wide range of work to protect and support victims and address abusive behaviours. I thank voluntary and community sector partners for their invaluable input to the strategy and for sharing insights from those with lived experience. That has led to a more effective strategy that will make a meaningful difference to those affected by domestic and sexual abuse and their families. Health and Justice officials will brief their respective Committees on 30 May, we hope, and I intend to publish the strategy and action plan jointly with the Minister of Health in June.