A former specialist PSNI domestic violence officer has called for the creation of a mandatory Domestic Violence Offender Register, similar to the Sex Offender Register.
Nuala Lappin is now a Domestic Violence Awareness and Empowerment Consultant and believes a register would allow for enhanced safeguarding, traceability and prevention of victims.
She said: “While Northern Ireland has the Child Protection Disclosure Scheme, an enhanced form of Sara’s Law, allowing enquiries against new partners or persons coming into contact with children in relationships, disclosure is at the discretion of PSNI, therefore not guaranteed.
“It still allows time for a perpetrator to enter the scene and an enquiry may only be made when a concern emerges. What physical and psychological damage has been done by that stage? A register does not require to await an incident but rather would clearly state convictions and risk, which could be flagged before a relationship develops and allowing consideration as to whether it may not be suitable.
“In addition, like Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, there are Violent Offences Prevention Orders, but the threshold is particularly high and by no means automatic. Mandatory registration however would ensure domestic abuse convictions are logged, even those considered minor as such offending often starts small and escalates to significant levels.
Nuala added: “The fact domestic homicide figures in Northern Ireland are running level with Romania as the worst in Europe is of significant concern and automatic registration on conviction could act as an additional safeguarding and monitoring mechanism.
We put the suggestion to a number of Northern Ireland’s legal authorities who set out existing structures, and while welcome, domestic abuse and homicide rates remain troublingly high.
In a generally positive response Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch stated: “We are fully committed to safeguarding victims of domestic abuse and reducing risks posed by perpetrators. It’s important to highlight that Northern Ireland already has robust multi-agency systems for managing individuals who pose a risk of serious harm. Through Public Protection Arrangements police work closely with the Probation Board, the Prison Service and a range of statutory and voluntary partners to assess, manage and monitor offenders within the powers in law, ensuring information sharing and coordinated risk-management with the overarching aim of protecting the public.
“Any decision to create a new statutory register is for ministers and legislators. The PSNI will always operate within the legal framework and we continue to support any evidence-based measures that enhance public safety and protect victims. Should new powers or responsibilities be introduced, we will work with partners to implement them effectively and responsibly.
She concluded: “Our priority remains the safety of victims and prevent harm, and we will continue to use every tool available to us to intervene, support victims, pursue perpetrators, and reduce risk.”
However Minister for Justice Naomi Long – who ultimately has the power to legislate for a register – believes current structures are adequate.
She stated: “I am mindful of the many families and communities left devastated as a result of domestic homicide which is why tackling domestic abuse is a key priority.
“The PSNI already has access to national databases containing information on individuals with a history of offending or abusive behaviour, including the Police National Computer, the Police National Database and the ViSOR, which records details of violent and sexual offenders. Collectively, these databases assist police in identifying repeat or high-risk offenders and inform safeguarding decisions and disclosures made under the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS – also known as Clare’s Law).
“DVADS is a vital scheme to protect people at risk. It’s about empowering people to make informed decisions about relationships. It is delivered by PSNI and allows individuals to ask police whether a partner or ex-partner has a history of abusive behaviour. Importantly, where a friend or a family member has a concern, they too can make an inquiry.
“This is one of many measures, including support services, early-intervention measures, and wider system and legislation reforms under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy that we are delivering to reduce risk, enhance protections, and make the justice process less traumatic for those who come forward.”
Minister Long concluded: “Given the existing national databases I do not consider there is need for me to establish further provision.”
Nuala was disappointed by the Minister’s position and highlighted instances in which efforts were made to establish domestic histories in potentially volatile relationships which were refused
“Disclosure is entirely in the gift of PSNI. I’ve spoken with numerous people including landlords, GPs, nurses, care workers and teachers but they cannot get disclosure despite setting out very strong concerns. Sex offenders are rightly considered high-risk and require registration to prevent further or worsening offending, so why not domestic abusers? Statistics show offending escalates and tragically, can end in murder.”
She concluded: “At present there’s no statutory provision specifically equating high-risk domestic abusers to sexual offenders, despite dangers at equal or higher levels, and outcomes potentially worse. I urge the Minister to look again at what a register could achieve in the fight against the scourge of domestic violence in Northern Ireland.”
