An MHK has voiced concern about whether the government is investing enough money in training to prepare for the introduction of a new domestic abuse law.

The House of Keys is currently considering a laws that will, for the first time, create a specific offence of domestic abuse.

But the government has not put aside any extra resources to help with training.

In Tynwald on Tuesday, Ann Corlett (Douglas Central) said: ’In order for the new legislation to be effective in the protection of victims the government must put the necessary funding into support services, education, legal aid and the wider government policy,

’Because without this, how can the victims of domestic abuse get the support they not only need but actually deserve?’

She asked Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey what resources were being put into raising awareness, enabling reporting and pursuing cases of offences under the Domestic Abuse Bill once it became law.

The minister said: ’The department has no specific additional resources to allocate to these important matters but existing resources are already focused on supporting victims of domestic abuse.

’The constabulary is currently developing a training programme relating to both domestic abuse and the sexual offences legislation.’

This was being done in partnership with social services and the attorney general’s office, he said.

The Domestic Abuse Bill will give the police powers to protect victims, which could include effectively ordering someone to move out of their home.

Preparations for the new law were taking place across a number of government departments, Mr Malarkey said, and when issues became known they would be dealt with.

He added: ’This is not "let’s put the legislation through and just forget about it".

’We will be following this up and making sure that there are enough finances available that we can deal with the situation.’

Kate Lord-Brennan MLC said it could be some time after the bill became law before the full financial implications were known and urged the minister to keep an ’open mind’ about what funding may be required.