Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) follows the Ministry of Justice for its HR policies. The MoJ published updated domestic abuse guidance and support on their intranet in August 2025, helping staff and managers assess safety concerns, and providing information on how best to support individuals and teams. This guidance is readily accessible to all staff in the NIO alongside a range of wellbeing support.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking with the Northern Ireland Executive to help tackle violence against women and girls.
Answered by Fleur Anderson
Last year seven women were killed in Northern Ireland, and rates of violence are higher in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK
Last month, I was pleased to welcome the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls to Northern Ireland to meet Executive Ministers, and the Police Service, and to visit the excellent Foyle Family Justice Centre. We discussed ways we can work together and share best practice to tackle violence against women and girls.