5 killed every year because of violence in the homemurdered

Bid to crackdown on domestic abuse

AROUND five people are killed in Northern Ireland every year due to domestic violence, PSNI figures have revealed.

Last year alone there were almost 30,000 incidents reported to police, amounting to more than 80 a day.

Statistics show around five people die at the hands of a partner, ex-partner or close family member every year.

However, the true numbers are believed to be even higher with a Department of Justice spokesman saying domestic violence and abuse remains significantly under-reported. Concepta Leonard was killed in a domestic violence incident here last year.

The 51-year-old was murdered by her ex-partner Peadar Phair at her home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. He later took his own life.

Concepta’s son Conor, who has Down syndrome, was injured in the attack.

It is believed the 30-year-old was stabbed in the abdomen while trying to defend his mother.

The DOJ is seeking the views of the public on how to introduce a tool to tackle violence.

Domestic Homicide Reviews were introduced in England and Wales under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004.

They provide a review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence or abuse or neglect by a family member, a person they were in a personal relationship with or a member of the same household. A DOJ spokesman said: “In working to establish a domestic homicide review model the department has worked closely with statutory, voluntary and community sector partners.

“It is keen to hear from people who may have been abused or who may have been affected by abuse.

“The views of family members, friends or work colleagues can help us improve preventative, immediate and aftercare services and potentially save lives.”

Details can be found at: www. justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/ domestic-homicide-reviews

TRAGIC Concepta Leonard was by ex-partner last year