A former PSNI domestic violence officer advocates for a mandatory register of domestic violence offenders in Northern Ireland. The proposed system would require convicted individuals to notify police of their address and relationships for risk monitoring. Nuala Lappin, now a domestic violence consultant, states such a register would improve safeguarding and prevention by alerting authorities before risks escalate.

Lappin notes Northern Ireland lacks a scheme like those for child protection or general domestic abuse disclosures, where police discretion determines information release. She argues existing violent offences prevention orders have high thresholds and do not cover all convictions, even minor ones that can worsen over time.

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan of the PSNI Public Protection Branch says police use multi-agency arrangements with probation, prisons and partners to manage high-risk offenders. Brennan adds that any new register falls to ministers and legislators, and PSNI would implement approved measures.

Justice Minister Naomi Long maintains current national databases, including the Police National Computer and ViSOR for violent offenders, meet needs. She highlights the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme, or Clare's Law, which lets individuals or their contacts query police about a partner's abuse history.

Long points to broader efforts under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, such as support services and justice reforms, to cut risks. She sees no need for additional provisions given these tools.

Lappin expresses concern over refusals of disclosure requests by professionals like landlords and GPs despite raised alarms. She equates risks from domestic abusers to sex offenders and calls on the minister to reconsider a dedicated register.