The Justice Minister has published an ambitious strategy which
aims to improve the experience of victims and witnesses
navigating the justice system.
Speaking at the launch of the Victims and Witnesses Strategy 2026
– 2032, said the actions linked to the
strategy “will empower and support all victims and witnesses
using a trauma-informed approach”.
Objectives within the strategy include:
- the establishment of a statutory Commissioner for Victims and
Witnesses of Crime
- a review of the use of victim personal statements in court
- expansion of the use of remote evidence centres for
vulnerable victims and witnesses
- scoping the development of a new Victims and Witnesses Needs
Assessment Service
- agreeing a recommended option for a Barnahus model to support
children and young people
- development of existing plans to implement a pre-recorded
cross examination pilot
- improve protections for victims' personal data in sexual
offence cases by changes to disclosure procedures.
The Minister said: “It is vital that the harm inflicted
by the impact of crime is not exacerbated by the criminal justice
system.
“I believe this strategy will deliver real and meaningful
improvements for victims and witnesses and, in turn, increase
confidence in the justice system.
“It aligns with our ambition for a justice system that
enables quick and efficient delivery of justice; ensures that
citizens and victims are supported and listened to; and minimises
and deters offending and re-offending.
“It also directly supports Programme for Government
priorities around safer communities and ending violence against
women and girls.
“Critically, it adopts a victim-focused approach and
reflects the voices of those who have been victims and witnesses
of crime.
“I'm grateful to everyone who has contributed to the
development of this strategy, either by responding to our call
for views and the public consultation processes, or by sharing
their experiences of the criminal justice system directly with
me.
“The strategy has undoubtedly been enriched by this lived
experience and will therefore better address those issues that
matter most to victims and witnesses.”
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton, who attended the launch
at the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, said: “As a victim
focused police service we welcome the launch of this strategy.
“We know that only by properly supporting victims as they move
through the criminal justice system and by treating them with
compassion and respect, can we give them the confidence to remain
engaged and help us secure the outcomes they deserve.
“We are absolutely determined to work harder than ever with all
our Justice partners to translate the commitments in this
strategy into practical improvements for all victims and
witnesses.”
Geraldine Hanna, Victim of Crime Commissioner Designate, was also
present at the launch and said: “I warmly welcome this new
strategy which is an important step forward in recognising the
rights, needs and voices of victims and witnesses.
“We know that for many victims the process can be overwhelming,
confusing, frustrating and at times re-traumatising.
“Our shared challenge is to translate the promises and
commitments set out within the strategy into action.
“I wish to thank all of those who helped to shape this strategy
and in particular those victims and survivors who shared their
experiences in the hope of improving the system for others.”
Notes to editors:
- The strategy and action plan are available to view at
www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/victims-and-witnesses-crime-strategy-2026-2032
