Justice Committee report highlights victims’ needs
For over three decades, Victim Support NI has been providing emotional support and information to victims of all types of crime across Northern Ireland. Last year, the organisation reached out to 47,000 people through our community and court-based services.
Crime has a significant impact on a victim’s life and listening to their experiences of the Criminal Justice System, we are well placed to be the voice of people affected by crime.
Victim Support NI provides emotional support with its experienced volunteers and staff to victims of all categories of crime, through the Criminal Injuries Claim Service when making a claim, providing help if a victim or witness has to attend court through the Witness Service and if needed, advocacy at a Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal hearing.
We support people attending court as witnesses, as well as advising on other services and help available in Northern Ireland.
Victim Support NI welcomed the Assembly Committee for Justice’s inquiry into the criminal justice services available to victims and witnesses of crime. Substantial oral and written evidence was submitted including direct representation by people who had experienced crime and the Criminal Justice System.
The inquiry stimulated invaluable debate and discussion on these issues. This has encouraged cross-party debate on how people affected by crime are treated by the different agencies and organisations within the Criminal Justice System.
The committee’s report published in June 2012 was both informed and comprehensive. The Department of Justice’s recent proposals in respect to a five-year strategy for victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland has incorporated and added to the committee’s 30 recommendations.
In particular, there was the need for accurate and timely information and the requirement to codify appropriate practice and standards in the care and treatment for victims and witnesses. It is important that the witness and victim be treated with care, respect and dignity.
A single point of contact as represented by Witness Care Units is an important step in improving communication and support for witnesses attending court.
The announcement of the intermediaries’ service to assist vulnerable victims and witnesses, who may not be able to communicate their evidence, is warmly welcomed by our organisation.
There is recognition in the committee’s report and in the Department’s strategic approach that there is a need for clarity as to what victims can expect from the Criminal Justice System, particularly in respect of case progression. Similarly, the issue of delay within the system is a key issue impacting on the overall experiences of victims and witnesses. The consequences of delay are extensive and may be a contributory factor to rates of attrition.
The priority is to ensure no further harm is caused through the process of engaging with the Criminal Justice System.
For Victim Support NI, the need to ameliorate the effect of crime is a priority. An effective and efficient criminal justice system is an important part of helping people recover after crime. We will continue to urge relevant departments to link services to ensure better support and care both within and outside the Criminal Justice System.
The idea of a Victim’s Champion within each main statutory agency, has meant that a senior member of personnel has a responsibility for changing policy to improve the victim’s experience.
With the contents of the report now making a substantive contribution to the development of the Department of Justice’s Five Year Strategy on Improving Access to Justice for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, it is up to all those within the Criminal Justice System to continue to listen and respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crime.
Victim Support NI will continue to advocate for the rights of victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland and represent their experiences wherever and whenever appropriate and possible. We are encouraged by these recent developments and by the commitment that has been shown at Ministerial, Departmental and Committee level both to listening to and responding effectively to the needs of all individuals affected by crime.
It is our view that this positive approach affords an opportunity to make a demonstrable difference to the experience of victims and witnesses, as they interact with the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland.
Victim Support: 028 9024 4039
Email: info@victimsupportni.org
Web: www.victimsupportni.co.uk
