The Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan spoke in support of the use of problem-solving courts at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of Foyle Women’s Aid.

Sir Declan highlighted the potential that exists for problem-solving approaches to dealing with offences linked to domestic abuse, mental ill-health and substance abuse, by tackling the underlying causes of offending behaviour and problems within families and holding offenders to account.

He referred to the findings of the Review of Civil & Family Justice led by Lord Justice Gillen, recent reports from the OECD and Stormont’s justice committee, and the experience of other jurisdictions.

Sir Declan said: “Such approaches have been shown to be more effective in promoting rehabilitation and desistance than more traditional approaches, such as imprisonment.

“This in turn results in fewer victims of crime.”

Sir Declan also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between the justice sector and others, such as the Department of Health and voluntary sector service providers.

He said: “If we are serious about addressing these issues we have to recognise the need to get the right people to provide the right support.

“The judiciary stands ready to play a constructive role but we cannot do this alone.”