To ask the Minister of Finance whether the Department has assessed public confidence in Non-Molestation Orders as a protective measure, particularly among victims of domestic abuse.

ANSWER

Non-Molestation Orders (NMOs) are significant in the context of tackling domestic abuse and safe-guarding victims.

The cross-Departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy is led by the Departments of Justice and Health, and my Department retains an interest in relation to civil measures of this nature. The Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime has commissioned a researcher to carry out some quantitative analysis on data relating to the application, granting and outcomes in cases of breach of NMOs. My officials will liaise with colleagues in other Departments and will carefully consider the findings of that work.

The Department of Justice is also progressing work to develop an effective model for Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, and my officials will continue to monitor developments relating to this issue.