Domestic violence should be ‘a specific crime’

Radical changes to tackle domestic violence have been recommended, including new laws, specialist courts and a register of offenders.

A report sent to the justice minister also seeks the introduction of emergency barring orders to put an abuser out of the family home pending a full court hearing of the case.

Under current law, an abuser can only be forced to leave after a hearing, meaning many victims and their children have to flee to refuges or remain at home in danger if they have nowhere to go.