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.

Paul Goggins said: "The Government is committed to reducing crime and importantly providing the critical support to those whose lives it touches.

"For every crime someone pays a price, either in emotional, physical or financial terms. We have listened to what victims and witnesses say they need and this strategy is a demonstration of our commitment to bridge the gap between those needs and current service delivery.

"Victims and witnesses play a vital role in the criminal justice process and without them justice would not be done.

"Through this strategy – which has the full support of everyone in the criminal justice system – we will be creating new and innovative ways to help both victims and witnesses cope with their experiences and enable them to start rebuilding their lives."

Part of the strategy includes the Victim Support Witness Service, which will provide pre-trial familiarisation visits to courts, a safe place for witnesses to wait at court and liason with officials to provide them with specific information about their case.

The strategy also includes a new web-based information guide for victims and witnesses, which provides users with a step by step guide to the Criminal Justice System.

(LC/SP)