AQW 40786/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland December 2025 report, Totally Invisible, into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors and children engaging with family court processes.

Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 17 February 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
17 February 2026
Answer due by
4 March 2026
Answered
11 March 202622 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

I spoke at the launch of the “Totally Invisible” report on 3rd December 2025 and welcomed the research. I am concerned in relation to the findings of the research, that;

There is a lack of understanding of domestic abuse dynamics among some professionals.

There is inconsistent application of safeguarding measures, leaving victims and children at risk of being harmed.

There are delays and complexity in proceedings, which can exacerbate trauma for victims and prolong exposure to risk.

I have nominated representatives from my Department to participate in and contribute to a Family Court Pilot Task & Finish Working Group that the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna, is convening to address findings of the report.

Official sources