Victim and Witness Research

The Northern Ireland Victim and Witness Survey (NIVAWS) is the main survey commissioned by the Department of Justice to gauge the views of victims and witnesses who had experience of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

To date there have been eight administrations of NIVAWS covering the years 2008/09 to 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17 and 2022/23.  Each year the survey has sought to target approximately 1,000 victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases which had recently closed.

The findings from NIVAWS are used to monitor progress in the area of service delivery to victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland.

• Victim and Witness Experience of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System: Key Findings – 2022/23 
• Victim and Witness Experience of the Criminal Justice System 2008/09 – 2016/17
• Victim and Witness Experience of the Criminal Justice System: 2008/09 – 2013/14
• Key Performance Indicator: Victim and Witness Satisfaction Update - March 2012
• Performance of the Criminal Justice System from a Victim and Witness Perspective: Comparison of Findings from the 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 Surveys 
• Key Performance Indicator: Victim and Witness Satisfaction Update - March 2011 

Qualitative Research

A series of qualitative research projects with victims of the more serious or sensitive crimes have been undertaken by the Department of Justice.

• Research Report into the Experiences of Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence
• Research into the Experiences of Victims of Domestic Violence:  Summary of Key Findings  
• Murder/Manslaughter Research Report
• Culpable Road Death Research Report

Methodology and Quality Assurance

• Victim and Witness Experience of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System: Quality Report 

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