Long: Supporting victims is a key priority
Date published:
The Department of Justice will continue to prioritise efforts to improve the experience of victims of crime.
That was the message from Justice Minister Naomi Long 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 in-person events advertised on our website.”
Notes to editors:
- The Draft Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy 2025-2030 and dates and locations of the Department of Justice roadshow events on the strategy, are available to view at www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/draft-victims-and-witnesses-crime-strategy-2025-2030.
- Media enquiries for the Department of Justice should be directed to email
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.