Menu
25/10/2012
Strategy Published For Victims Of Crime
A new strategy has been published today with the aim of improving services for victims and witnesses of crime.
'Making a Difference: Improving Access to Justice for Victims and Witnesses of Crime' was published by Justice Minister David Ford and outlines 50 proposed actions to assist people affected by criminal acts.
Key proposals include new statutory entitlements for victims, a new victim and witness care unit, schemes to support people with communication difficulties and the development of advocacy services.
David Ford said: "Victims and witnesses of crime play a crucial role in the criminal justice process and the draft strategy I’ve published today contains 50 actions to improve the quality of services and make them more responsive to the needs of victims and witnesses.
"It is clear from the reports from the Justice Committee and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland that victims want to be treated as an individual, rather than simply a party to a case in the system. Taken together, these reports have shaped a strategy that I believe will deliver real and meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
"Key to all of this is that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect and are certain that their contribution, no matter how small, is valued. The actions in the strategy should ensure that there is a greater focus on their needs."
Welcoming the launch of the consultation, the Chief Executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, Ms Susan Reid, said: "I would urge as many people as possible to read and feedback on the draft strategy, especially if you have experienced crime in Northern Ireland."
The strategy is available from the Department of Justice website.
(IT)
'Making a Difference: Improving Access to Justice for Victims and Witnesses of Crime' was published by Justice Minister David Ford and outlines 50 proposed actions to assist people affected by criminal acts.
Key proposals include new statutory entitlements for victims, a new victim and witness care unit, schemes to support people with communication difficulties and the development of advocacy services.
David Ford said: "Victims and witnesses of crime play a crucial role in the criminal justice process and the draft strategy I’ve published today contains 50 actions to improve the quality of services and make them more responsive to the needs of victims and witnesses.
"It is clear from the reports from the Justice Committee and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland that victims want to be treated as an individual, rather than simply a party to a case in the system. Taken together, these reports have shaped a strategy that I believe will deliver real and meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
"Key to all of this is that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect and are certain that their contribution, no matter how small, is valued. The actions in the strategy should ensure that there is a greater focus on their needs."
Welcoming the launch of the consultation, the Chief Executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, Ms Susan Reid, said: "I would urge as many people as possible to read and feedback on the draft strategy, especially if you have experienced crime in Northern Ireland."
The strategy is available from the Department of Justice website.
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2021
Consultation Launches On Victims' Experiences Of The Criminal Justice System
A public consultation has launched on proposals to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system. The consultation will seek views on two areas: • a new three-year draft Victim and Witness Strategy for Northern Ireland • proposals for the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
Consultation Launches On Victims' Experiences Of The Criminal Justice System
A public consultation has launched on proposals to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system. The consultation will seek views on two areas: • a new three-year draft Victim and Witness Strategy for Northern Ireland • proposals for the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
18 September 2007
Government Launches New Crime Strategy
A new raft of measures has been unveiled today by the Government, to support the victims and witnesses of crime. Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins launched the new five-year 'Victims and Witnesses Strategy', which is aimed at improving the services provided to all victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland.
Government Launches New Crime Strategy
A new raft of measures has been unveiled today by the Government, to support the victims and witnesses of crime. Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins launched the new five-year 'Victims and Witnesses Strategy', which is aimed at improving the services provided to all victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland.
19 July 2010
Crime Victims Promised Improvements
Justice Minister David Ford has today published innovative plans to significantly improve the level of service to victims and witnesses who come into contact with the justice system.
Crime Victims Promised Improvements
Justice Minister David Ford has today published innovative plans to significantly improve the level of service to victims and witnesses who come into contact with the justice system.
10 December 2009
Executive Victims' Strategy Revealed
The long-awaited publication of the Stormont Executive's Strategy for Victims and Survivors of The Troubles has been announced. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the development in a written statement to the Assembly.
Executive Victims' Strategy Revealed
The long-awaited publication of the Stormont Executive's Strategy for Victims and Survivors of The Troubles has been announced. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the development in a written statement to the Assembly.
07 December 2011
Witnesses Care Unit Proposals Supported
Those who are involved as witnesses in court cases need to have a single point of contact to deal with their issues.
Witnesses Care Unit Proposals Supported
Those who are involved as witnesses in court cases need to have a single point of contact to deal with their issues.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
