ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the aim of the book. Much has been written regarding domestic abuse, however there is a scarcity of academic literature which focuses on responses to domestic abuse specifically in Northern Ireland. This jurisdiction has had a troubled past, and studies of violence relating to Northern Ireland have largely focused on the political violence which is part of the history of this jurisdiction. However, it must not be forgotten that throughout the ‘Troubles’ and indeed in the present day, many people in Northern Ireland have experienced and are indeed still suffering from violence within their own homes. The book aims to address this gap in the literature by providing a detailed case study from an academic perspective of criminal justice responses to domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. The chapter explains that the book focuses on recent developments, primarily those having taken place since around 2010, and particularly on developments following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly in January 2020 after a three-year suspension. An outline of the forthcoming chapters is provided, as are points of clarification regarding the terminology used.
