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06/11/2020
Sexual Crime Victims Continually Let Down- Green Party NI
Latest official figures on sexual offences in Northern Ireland show victims are being continually let down, the Green Party has claimed.
Calls for improved outcomes for victims have emerged after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) revealed that the conviction rate for the offence of rape stands at 29.9%.
Just 40% of all sexual offence suspects were recommended for prosecution in 2019, while the conviction rate for those that did proceed to trial was at 64.1%.
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods said the figures are evidence that Northern Ireland's criminal justice system is failing victims, particularly those who report rape.
The Justice Committee member said: "The 40% prosecution rate for suspects of rape is particularly galling. It means that six out of every ten people who summon the courage to report a rape will never see a suspect charged with the crime visited upon them.
"It represents a wider threat to our society and we know that the prevalence of sexual crime is greater still, with many crimes going unreported and offenders facing no intervention whatsoever."
While the PPS and other criminal justice partners have made recent efforts to improve outcomes for victims, the pace of change is too slow for victims of sexual offences and society as a whole, according to the Green Party MLA.
"It's clear that the Gillen Review Recommendations must be implemented as an urgent priority. To date, only 11% of Gillen Review recommendation have been implemented. The Justice Minister must work to expediate all of the Gillen Recommendations as a departmental priority.
"Otherwise, victims of sexual offences will continue to be retraumatised and let down by the very system tasked with delivering justice on their behalf and protecting society as a whole."
(JG)
Calls for improved outcomes for victims have emerged after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) revealed that the conviction rate for the offence of rape stands at 29.9%.
Just 40% of all sexual offence suspects were recommended for prosecution in 2019, while the conviction rate for those that did proceed to trial was at 64.1%.
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods said the figures are evidence that Northern Ireland's criminal justice system is failing victims, particularly those who report rape.
The Justice Committee member said: "The 40% prosecution rate for suspects of rape is particularly galling. It means that six out of every ten people who summon the courage to report a rape will never see a suspect charged with the crime visited upon them.
"It represents a wider threat to our society and we know that the prevalence of sexual crime is greater still, with many crimes going unreported and offenders facing no intervention whatsoever."
While the PPS and other criminal justice partners have made recent efforts to improve outcomes for victims, the pace of change is too slow for victims of sexual offences and society as a whole, according to the Green Party MLA.
"It's clear that the Gillen Review Recommendations must be implemented as an urgent priority. To date, only 11% of Gillen Review recommendation have been implemented. The Justice Minister must work to expediate all of the Gillen Recommendations as a departmental priority.
"Otherwise, victims of sexual offences will continue to be retraumatised and let down by the very system tasked with delivering justice on their behalf and protecting society as a whole."
(JG)
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28 September 2023
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
08 November 2021
Man Sentenced To 16 Years For A Number Of Historical Sexual Abuse Offences
A 48-year-old has been sentenced to 16 years for a number of historical sexual abuse offences against a child, at Laganside Court. Tommy Harris will serve eight years in jail and eight years on licence. He will also be place on the sex offenders register for life. Harris's conviction comes after his victim waived her anonymity to speak out.
Man Sentenced To 16 Years For A Number Of Historical Sexual Abuse Offences
A 48-year-old has been sentenced to 16 years for a number of historical sexual abuse offences against a child, at Laganside Court. Tommy Harris will serve eight years in jail and eight years on licence. He will also be place on the sex offenders register for life. Harris's conviction comes after his victim waived her anonymity to speak out.
11 November 2021
PPS Publish Latest Sexual Offences Statistics
Sixty eight percent of cases involving sexual offences in the past year resulted in conviction, down from 72.5% in 2019/20, according to the latest statistical bulletin from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
PPS Publish Latest Sexual Offences Statistics
Sixty eight percent of cases involving sexual offences in the past year resulted in conviction, down from 72.5% in 2019/20, according to the latest statistical bulletin from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
31 March 2010
Irish Sex Crime Unit On Way
The Irish Republic's police force is to establish a specialist unit to deal with the management of sexual offences.
Irish Sex Crime Unit On Way
The Irish Republic's police force is to establish a specialist unit to deal with the management of sexual offences.
15 January 2007
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
Victims Commissioner appointment not quashed
A High Court ruling has not quashed the appointment of Bertha McDougall as the Northern Ireland Interim Victims Commissioner. However, in his ruling Lord Justice Girvan said that the appointment was "improper and politically motivated.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
