To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to tackle domestic violence in Northern Ireland. [97743]
The regional forum on domestic violence provides the focal point for taking forward issues on domestic violence in Northern Ireland. Much of the work of the forum is carried out by working groups on inter-agency co-operation; criminal justice; education and training; research and information; work with churches and most recently, child protection issues. Local inter-agency groups are also established in all eleven Health and Social Services Community Trusts.The Northern Ireland Office also is currently co-ordinating, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Departments, the development of a strategy to tackle violence against women inNorthern Ireland. The strategy is due for publication in Spring 2003 and will look at a range of crimes, including domestic violence, where women are predominately the victim.In addition, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's homelessness Strategy and Services Review has been developed in acknowledgment of the need to help prevent homelessness resulting from domestic violence, help victims escape such situations through the delivery of adequate accommodation and support services and help support victims upon being re-housed.