The statistics relate to domestic abuse offences and any other offence aggravated by reason of involving domestic abuse, provided for in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, brought forward by Justice Minister Naomi Long.

The North Down MLA has said: “Tackling violence against women and girls, and indeed the general scourge of domestic violence against anyone in our society, is one of the greatest and most imperative challenges we’re facing here in Northern Ireland right now.

“To do this effectively, data like this is so important, and it’s welcome to see the quantifiable impact of the vital legislation brought forward and championed in the last number of years by Minister Long, such as the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act and the Protection from Stalking Act.

“Whilst we still have a long road and a job of work ahead of us, these statistics demonstrate encouraging progress, and make clear just how essential these measures continue to be in directly combating domestic violence, both physical and non-physical, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, and in enhancing protections for victims.”