New law proposed to restrict parental access for those who murder partner
It is designed to apply to case where a partner has been killed by a person they share children with.
Those convicted of the murder of a partner could have their parental responsibility for any children they share restricted under a proposed law.
Other serious offences could also qualify in the legislation put forward by Stormont Finance Minister John O’Dowd.
It follows Jade’s Law in England and Wales, named for Jade Ward, 27, who was murdered in 2021 by her estranged partner Russell Marsh.
Jade’s Law, which is set to come into force in December, will automatically suspend a perpetrator’s parental rights upon sentencing for the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a partner or ex-partner with whom they share children.
There is also similar legislation called Valerie’s Law in the Republic of Ireland, named for Valerie French, a mother of three from County Mayo who was murdered by her husband James Kilroy in 2019.
It is understood that some 30 families in Northern Ireland have been impacted by this issue over the last six years.
Mr O’Dowd said the proposed legislation comes after “several highly distressing domestic homicide cases” in recent years.
It would automatically restrict the parental responsibility of anyone convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a person with whom they share parental responsibility.
A public consultation which will gauge views on whether other serious criminal offences should also be included in the law.
Mr O’Dowd said he wants to see legislative reform that places children’s welfare and victims’ rights at its heart.
“The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government,” he said.
“There have been a number of highly distressing domestic homicide cases in this jurisdiction in recent years, with several directly impacting children through devastating exposure to violence, trauma and bereavement.
“Decisions concerning parental responsibility and child arrangements are currently dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Family Court, often requiring bereaved family members and carers to navigate legal processes at a time of profound grief.
“I want to see legislative reform that places children’s welfare and victims’ rights at its heart, while easing the burden on families.”
Mr O’Dowd added: “This is an opportunity to help build a family law framework that continues to place children first and supports families at times of profound difficulty, while ensuring that the burden of seeking protection does not fall unfairly on those already coping with loss and trauma.
“I encourage families and all interested parties to engage with this consultation to help ensure future reforms make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here.
“Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.”
The consultation will run to February 8 next year and can be accessed at consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dof/family-law-reform