To ask the Minister of Finance whether she has any plans to include domestic abuse in financial remedies through divorce proceedings to recognise the profound impact on victims.

Plans for legislation to amend the substantive law of divorce and dissolution are at an early stage. A review of divorce law in other jurisdictions was recently completed and officials now plan to meet with key local stakeholders who can make a useful contribution to developing policy proposals. It is intended that this initial work will provide the basis for a full public consultation in 2025 leading to the consideration of future divorce legislation that best meets the needs of those who wish to end their marriage or civil partnership, including those in abusive relationships.

While this work will focus on the substantive law, the wider process of divorce and dissolution, including the financial settlement, will be considered where directly relevant. The courts here have recently considered the division of assets in ancillary relief proceedings where a party to the marriage had been a victim of domestic abuse and made an award to reflect the physical and emotional effect on the victim. Officials will keep any further judicial developments in view.

I am determined that, in keeping with the Programme for Government commitment to ending violence against women and girls, any reforms to current divorce legislation will be effected in a manner that takes account of victims of domestic violence.