6 WOMEN MURDERED ...AFTER REPORTING VIOLENT PARTNERS

Family calls for tougher police powers

SIX women in Northern Ireland have been murdered since 2015 – despite previously reporting their violent partners to the police.

One victim even contacted the PSNI eight times before she was killed, figures obtained by BBC News NI show.

The family of one of the women has called for tougher laws.

A new Bill to strengthen Northern Ireland’s domestic abuse legislation is currently being considered by the Assembly.

Police said they would welcome more protection in law for victims.

Connie Leonard was murdered at her home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, in 2017.

Her brother Fergal said police needed to be given stronger powers to tackle domestic violence.

He told the BBC: “There are a number of matters

I feel that could have been acted on and may have saved Connie’s life.

“The last person in the world that I thought something would have happened to is Connie.”

Ms Leonard and her son Conor, who has Down’s syndrome, were attacked by her former partner 55-year-old Peadar Phair.

She had reported Phair three times before she was murdered

and had taken out a non-molestation order against him. Mr Leonard added police must “know what their powers are and that they use these powers effectively”.

There must be “proper monitoring and following up” and officers must know “what actions they are supposed to take”.

The PSNI, which released the figures following a freedom of information request, said it would welcome more protection for victims of domestic abuse.

Det Ch Insp Lindsay Fisher added: “In terms of legislation, police are very much bound by and uphold the law.

“Therefore we are always acting within the law in terms of our response to domestic abuse matters or any other crime. Police would welcome any further legislation that would support victims of domestic abuse and would seek to bring offenders to justice.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the process of strengthening Northern Ireland’s laws is under way. She added she has just “signed off on a consultation process on domestic abuse protection notices and orders. That will happen over the next number of weeks”.

Separately, a Bill to strengthen such legislation returns to Stormont i n December.

Sonya Mcmullan from Woman’s Aid Northern Ireland said police need “more robust powers” in relation to domestic violence.

I signed off on a consultation process on domestic abuse protection notices and orders JUSTICE MINISTER NAOMI LONG LEFT, YESTERDAY