Remote Evidence Centres
Remote Evidence Centres (RECs) provide a safe, comfortable space away from the court building for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence directly to the court from a video link room within the REC.
Attending the REC also ensures that the witness will not encounter the defendant or the defendant’s family / supporters in or around the court building on the day of the trial.
The Department of Justice has established two new RECs in Belfast and Craigavon, in addition to the existing NSPCC-led facility in Derry ~ Londonderry.The Department of Justice has established two new RECs in Belfast and Craigavon, in addition to the existing NSPCC-led facility in Derry ~ Londonderry”
Belfast - Official opening of Belfast Remote Evidence Centre
Craigavon - Long: Remote Evidence Centres provide safe & supportive alternative
Sir John Gillen believed RECs would enable victims to give their best evidence and increase their confidence in the justice system. This is supported by conviction rates for REC cases that have consistently been around 90%. Over half of convictions are by guilty plea, meaning the victim did not have to provide any oral evidence at the trial.
You can find out more information about REC facilities, including a virtual tour of the Belfast REC: - Witness services and special court measures | nidirect
Belfast Domestic Abuse Contest Court (DACC)
The Belfast Domestic Abuse Contest Court (DACC) was established in December 2023 and sits monthly in Laganside Courts. The DACC involves several domestic abuse contests (usually between 5 and 7) being listed on the same day in the same courtroom with all complainants based in the Belfast Remote Evidence Centre.
The aim of the DACC is to improve the experience of victims of domestic abuse and to reduce delay in bringing their cases to court. Providing access to the Belfast REC reduces the trauma of giving evidence and has been proven to improve justice outcomes for victims.
Since the fist DACC in December 2023, there have been well over 100 cases heard; with a conviction rate of around 90%, over half by guilty plea without the complainant having to give oral evidence. Feedback from those involved in the DACC, both victims of domestic abuse and criminal justice partners, has been overwhelmingly positive.