AQW 34364/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a regional approach to protocols relating to domestic and sexual abuse, across Health and Social Care Trusts.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 24 October 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 24 October 2025
- Answer due by
- 10 November 2025
- Answered
- 13 November 202520 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
There are a number of regional guidance documents providing an operational framework for professionals responding to instances of domestic and sexual abuse;
1. SBNI (Safeguarding Board NI) Regional Policy & Procedures
2. Joint Protocol – Child Abuse Investigations
3. PPANI (Public Protection Arrangements NI) Manual of Practice
4. Joint Protocol – Adult Safeguarding Investigations
5. MARAC (MultiAgency Risk Assessment Conference) Guidance
These documents are applied consistently across the Health and Social Care Trusts and also provide a framework within which other professional stakeholders respond to reports of domestic and sexual abuse.