Consultation launched on proposals for achieving best evidence
The Minister has today launched a consultation on best practice guidance for practitioners on interviewing children, and vulnerable and intimidated adult victims and witnesses.
~ Monday, 26 July 2010
Devolution of justice provides us with the opportunities to shape the criminal justice system for the people of Northern Ireland. So I would encourage all those
who have an interest in driving forward the changes to respond to this consultation
Northern Ireland Department of Justice
The Minister has today launched a consultation on best practice guidance for practitioners on interviewing children, and vulnerable and intimidated adult victims and witnesses.
The guidance has been developed by a sub-group of the Victim and Witness Task Force and will be used by police officers, legal representatives, social care workers and therapists.
Mr Ford said: “I cannot emphasise enough the significant part that victims and witnesses play in bringing perpetrators to justice, so it is essential that their engagement in the criminal justice process and beyond is handled with compassion and care.
“It is accepted that securing the best evidence from vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, in particular children, is often difficult.
“This proposed guidance is another important tool for those practitioners who work at the core with all victims and witnesses.
“Devolution of justice provides us with the opportunities to shape the criminal justice system for the people of Northern Ireland. So I would encourage all those who have an interest in driving forward the changes to respond to this consultation.”
Note to Editors
1. The consultation will run for 12 weeks until Friday 15 October 2010.
2. Response can be submitted using the response proforma (DOC 196 KB) or alternatively by email, letter or fax to:
Achieving Best Evidence Consultation
Delivery Improvement Unit
Criminal Justice Development Division
Department of Justice
Massey House
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SX
Fax: 028 9052 7507
3. The guidance was developed by a sub-group of the Victim and Witness Task Force. It was chaired by an Assistant Director of the NSPCC, and members included representatives from the Department of Justice, Police Service of NI, Public Prosecution Service, NI Courts and Tribunals Service and Victim Support NI, as well as officials from the Northern and South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts.
4. The statutory special measures provisions are contained in the Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1999. Annex A of the consultation document sets what these are and what amendments to the provisions are being proposed in the forthcoming Justice Bill.
5. All media enquires should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
