A review of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 identifies inconsistent use of child aggravators in domestic abuse cases. Jacqui Durkin, chief inspector of criminal justice, states that children's accounts from home settings demand priority in police investigations and court processes. The review examined 73 police files and 76 prosecution files.

Child aggravators permit judges to increase sentences when a child under 18 witnesses, experiences, or aids domestic abuse. Durkin notes the low number of cases applying these provisions despite frequent child presence at incidents. In 2024-25, domestic abuse motivated one fifth of recorded crimes in Northern Ireland, with 16,025 referrals to education providers about affected children.

Inspectors found training for police, prosecutors, and court staff inconsistent and declining. Police foundation training for new officers lacks sufficient domestic abuse content. Durkin calls for skilled officers to spot child involvement.

Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee of the Police Service of Northern Ireland affirms commitment to victims. The PSNI has started work to include children's voices in investigations and develops IT tools to add child aggravators to files. Officers attended awareness sessions, and custody training now covers these elements.

Dr Richard Scullion, Public Prosecution Service head of policy and information, says domestic abuse is a key priority. The PSNI and PPS co-chair a working group to create an action plan addressing the review, focusing on children and aggravators.