The Department of Justice will continue to prioritise efforts to
improve the experience of victims of crime.
That was the message from Justice Minister as the second victim survey by
the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Office Northern
Ireland (CVOCNI) was published today.
“I am pleased to see an improvement in some areas of the
system, and this reflects the extent of the work carried out by
my Department with the aim of making a positive difference for
victims. However, it is clear that there is more to do to
deliver improvements in the system,” said the Minister.
“It is essential that victims feel confident that when
they report a crime, they will have their case investigated and
prosecuted where there is evidence to support a prosecution, and
that they will be treated appropriately and sensitively.
“It is particularly encouraging that the results of this
survey indicate an improvement in this.
“A range of services are in place to assist and support
vulnerable victims, including Remote Evidence Centres, an
advocacy support service for victims of sexual and domestic abuse
and the Sexual Offences Legal Adviser Support.
“Victims can also avail of emotional support when giving
evidence from either Victim Support NI or the NSPCC, with both of
these services funded by the Department of Justice.
“I am pleased that feedback from people who have used
these services has been extremely positive.
“Nonetheless, I recognise that for many
victims the justice system is unfamiliar and can be disorienting,
confusing, and traumatic.
“The proportion of the survey responses providing
negative experiences remains disappointing and my Department will
continue to engage with the Commissioner Designate and criminal
justice partners to address specific gaps in services to ensure
victims are front and centre throughout.”
Paying tribute to the Commissioner Designate, Geraldine Hanna,
for her work on the victim survey, Ms Long also encouraged the
public to engage with the Department of Justice's consultation on
its new Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy.
“This very important piece of work aims to increase
confidence in the justice system by empowering and supporting all
victims and witnesses with a trauma informed approach,”
she said.
“I encourage everyone to engage in this process and
attend the information events advertised on our
website.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Draft Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy 2025-2030
and dates and locations of the Department of Justice
information events on the strategy, are available to view on
the DoJ website: www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/draft-victims-and-witnesses-crime-strategy-2025-2030.
