In March 2025,  our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly participated in an innovative Legislative Theatre initiative focused on preventing homelessness for women experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.

Organised by Housing Rights, Arts & Homelessness International, and theatre practitioner Katy Rubin, the project invited policymakers to engage directly with those most affected by these pressing social issues.

Legislative Theatre is a participatory approach to policy-making, and uses performance as a tool for advocacy, discussion, and ultimately, change. At the heart of the event were the voices of women with lived experience of domestic abuse and homelessness, who co-created and performed a play illustrating the complex challenges they face when seeking support and housing security.

The performance was followed by a collaborative, community-driven process where audience members proposed policy ideas based on what they saw on stage. As part of the policy team, Karen worked alongside other stakeholders to sort through these ideas, identify practical proposals, and engage in meaningful dialogue with participants about how collectively these ideas could be moved forward by stakeholders within their respective areas of influence.

Karen comments; “Being part of this Legislative Theatre event was both inspiring and energising. It was a truly collaborative experience that reminded me of the importance of listening, empathy, and inclusive policy-making. I came away with renewed motivation and practical ideas that I look forward to exploring further with colleagues.”

A short video of the highlights from the event can be found on YouTube by clicking the link below

Legislative Theatre event on homelessness and domestic abuse - YouTube

Should you require any advice or assistance on matters relating to domestic abuse, contact Karen on kconnolly@fhanna.co.uk or call 028 9024 3901