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07/02/2022
New Sexual Offences Bill Must Be Made Law - Green Party NI
The Green Party NI has said that a new sexual offences Bill must be passed by the Executive and made law.
North Down MLA, Rachel Woods said: "At the start of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (7th-13th Feb 2022), I attended the Nexus NI and Victim Support NI conference on Monday 7th February, hearing from a wide range of inspiring speakers on their experiences, some which were extremely harrowing. I commend their bravery in speaking out.
"The Assembly are due to debate the Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking Bill next week, which I have worked on as a Justice Committee Member. The Bill includes new offences of up-skirting and down-blousing, expanding child protection and implement a number of the Gillen Review recommendations too. Sexual offences like up-skirting and down-blousing are more common than we think, and many instances are not reported, or are under-reported.
"I am also trying to legislate for the inclusion of non-fatal strangulation in the Bill, as well as cyber flashing, and removing the so called 'rough sex defence'.
"It would be extremely damaging to victims of sexual crime and human trafficking if the DUP's latest political stunt brought down the Assembly early, meaning that crucial pieces of legislation such as this one, and my own to bring in paid leave for victims of domestic abuse, were not passed.
"I would encourage anyone that has been a victim of crime or abuse or worried about someone, to contact support organisations and groups such as Nexus, Victim Support NI or call the 24 hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414."
North Down MLA, Rachel Woods said: "At the start of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (7th-13th Feb 2022), I attended the Nexus NI and Victim Support NI conference on Monday 7th February, hearing from a wide range of inspiring speakers on their experiences, some which were extremely harrowing. I commend their bravery in speaking out.
"The Assembly are due to debate the Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking Bill next week, which I have worked on as a Justice Committee Member. The Bill includes new offences of up-skirting and down-blousing, expanding child protection and implement a number of the Gillen Review recommendations too. Sexual offences like up-skirting and down-blousing are more common than we think, and many instances are not reported, or are under-reported.
"I am also trying to legislate for the inclusion of non-fatal strangulation in the Bill, as well as cyber flashing, and removing the so called 'rough sex defence'.
"It would be extremely damaging to victims of sexual crime and human trafficking if the DUP's latest political stunt brought down the Assembly early, meaning that crucial pieces of legislation such as this one, and my own to bring in paid leave for victims of domestic abuse, were not passed.
"I would encourage anyone that has been a victim of crime or abuse or worried about someone, to contact support organisations and groups such as Nexus, Victim Support NI or call the 24 hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414."
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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.
16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
06 July 2021
Legislation Introduced To Strengthen NI's Sexual Offences And Trafficking Laws
New legislation to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
Legislation Introduced To Strengthen NI's Sexual Offences And Trafficking Laws
New legislation to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
09 May 2019
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
24 November 2023
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
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