Domestic abuse is the crime least likely to be reported to police here, according to a survey.
Less than two-thirds of people in Northern Ireland would be “very likely” to approach the PSNI if they became victims of domestic abuse, it revealed.
The NI Life and Times Survey questioned respondents on the criminal justice system, including how likely they would be to go to police if they were the victim of certain crimes.
Some 63% said they would be “very likely” to report becoming a victim of domestic abuse.
But that figure dropped for younger people.
Only 45% of those in the 18-24 age range said they would be “very likely” to contact the PSNI over domestic abuse.
It comes after figures revealed there were 33,071 domestic abuse incidents reported in NI last year, up 0.4% on 2022.
Fraud and scams was the next lowest (65%) crime category in terms of respondents who said they would be “very likely” to report it; the highest proportion was a break-in or burglary (88%).
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Other findings of the Life and Times Survey included that just 70% of those questioned would be very likely to report being a victim of sexual abuse or violence. For those in the 18-24 age bracket, this figure was 54%.
Only 9% of respondents believe victims are at the centre of our criminal justice system.
Victims of crime commissioner Geraldine Hanna said the survey’s results show the “specific challenges” in terms of supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Geraldine Hanna
Ms Hanna said research findings reaffirm what she has heard directly through engagement with 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,” she said.
“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 age group.
“Worryingly, these statistics show a lack of confidence in our criminal justice system, especially for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.”
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Ms Hanna said, while it is positive that tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence has been a priority for politicians recently, “there is still much to be done”.
“There are good people working hard across our criminal justice system, but there are fundamental changes that are needed,” she added.
“We need better legislative protection to prevent the unnecessary disclosure of victim’s private information and we need services that are adequately funded to support victims of crime.
“More than anything, we need a criminal justice system where all victims of all crimes can feel assured that when they come forward they will be supported and their rights under the Victims Charter will be protected.”