Criminal and family courts need to be 'speaking to each other' to ensure better outcomes for victims

The plight of victims of sexual or domestic violence who are part of trials in multiple courts was raised in the Seanad

Senator Sharon Keogan said simultaneous involvement in pleadings in the criminal courts and the family courts, as well as child welfare cases before Tusla, were not unusual in families affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence – but she said it could 'lead to considerable difficulties'. Stock image

Criminal and family courts need to be "speaking to each other" when victims of sexual and domestic violence are involved in parallel cases in both venues, the Justice Minister has said.

Helen McEntee said the Department of Justice would bring together the reports of separate Government working groups – one aimed at improving the justice process for victims and another aimed at reforming the family courts – to ensure this issue was resolved.