Report on the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims/survivors and children engaging with private law family court processes in NI launched.

“I welcome the launch of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime Northern Ireland’s (CVOCNI) ‘Totally Invisible’ report on the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims/survivors and children engaging with private law family court processes in Northern Ireland (NI).

The report makes clear the importance of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) standards for upholding the best interests of children, their participation in decision making, and protection from all forms of harm.

There is an ongoing need to ensure existing mechanisms for heeding these, such as the ‘welfare principle’ within the Children (NI) Order 1995, results in the outcomes that we all hope for.

I endorse recommendations for domestic violence and abuse training for all court professionals and draw attention to statutory requirements for training as set out in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021.  Ongoing monitoring and review can benefit all involved in cases effecting children and young people, most importantly children and young people, who must be assured that their views are heeded.

The priority must always be to ensure that every decision supports the child’s safety, wellbeing, and best interests.”

Chris Quinn, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People