Less than two thirds of people in Northern Ireland would be “very likely” to go to the police if they became victims of domestic abuse, a new survey has found.
Those polled in the 18-24 year-old age group were least likely to report the crime, with the survey also revealing men were more likely to report being victims of domestic abuse than women.
Northern Ireland’s commissioner designate for victims of crime said the statistics were “worrying” and “show a lack of confidence in our criminal justice system”.
The Northern Ireland Life & Times Survey 2023, carried out between September 2023 and January 2024, aims to capture the attitudes, values and beliefs of the people in Northern Ireland on a wide range of social policy issues.
Respondents were asked a number of questions about the criminal justice system, including how likely it was they would go to the police if they had been the victim of certain crimes.
The study found just 70% of those polled were ”very likely” to report being the victim of sexual abuse/violence.
Just 54% of 15-24 year olds said they would come forward.
Men again were more likely to report being the victim of sexual abuse/violence, with 73% saying they were “very likely” compared to 68% of women surveyed.
The survey also reveals 65% would report fraud or scams, while 80% would report criminal damage to police.
Around 72% said they were “very likely” to contact police if they had suffered other physical assault/violence and 83% for a robbery or theft crime.
Geraldine Hanna, the north’s commissioner designate for victims of crime, said: “These results show the specific challenges we face in supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to report these crimes and reaffirms what I have heard from engaging directly with those victims.
“Many of those who have spoken to me have told me the issues they faced means they would be reluctant to come forward if they became victims again in the future.
“These issues include delay, the issues around disclosure of private information and a system that doesn’t prioritise or protect victim’s rights.
“They see the problems in our criminal justice system and it damages their confidence that anything will be done if they do come forward.
“I find it particularly worrying that the number of people saying they would be very likely to report these crimes to the police is lowest amongst the 18-24 year old age group.
“Worryingly these statistics show a lack of confidence in our criminal justice system, especially for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“With only nine percent of people surveyed saying they believe that victims are at the centre of our criminal justice system, this survey shows just how low that confidence is.”
