Domestic Abuse Law: 60 Northern Ireland Schools To Receive Incidents Alerts

Some schools in Northern Ireland are to be alerted by police if pupils have been affected by domestic violence.

The move is part of a scheme called Operation Encompass which is being piloted in 60 schools in County Down.

Before each school day, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), will alert schools if any pupils have been affected by an incident of violence in the home in the previous 24 hours.

The scheme has been in operation in police forces in England and Wales for a number of years.

It will eventually be rolled out across all schools in Northern Ireland.

The scheme is a partnership between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland (SBNI), the Education Authority (EA) and schools.

It has come into effect due to new domestic abuse laws being introduced in Northern Ireland.

Incidents of domestic abuse and violence in Northern Ireland have spiraled in recent years.

Operation Encompass aims to help get children affected by domestic violence immediate emotional support in school.