To ask the Minister of Justice to detail the conversations she has had, or plans to have, with victims relating to the proposed domestic and sexual violence advocacy service.

My Department did not engage with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse directly in the development of the new advocacy service. Rather, and from the outset, my officials engaged significantly with a range of key voluntary sector organisations representing the interests of victims. This took placed over a prolonged period of time, to help inform policy development. This involved the establishment of a dedicated working group comprising Men’s Advisory Project, Nexus, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Victim Support Northern Ireland and Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland. Extensive consultation was carried with this group on all aspects of the proposed model, tailored for the Northern Ireland context. Collective meetings of the working group, as well as individual meetings with its members, were held as well as a dedicated workshop to help shape the advocacy role.

My Department also consulted with existing support service workers currently employed by both Women’s Aid NI (the Criminal Justice Support Worker and the Domestic Abuse Support Worker)) and Victim Support NI (the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor).