Ford sets out plans to improve services for victims and witnesses
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.
~ Monday, 19 July 2010
Devolution provides us with the opportunity to reshape our justice system.
Victims and witnesses are a key and integral part of its success and it is therefore crucial that we acknowledge the rights and legitimate expectations of all victims of crime
Northern Ireland Department of Justice
Included in the range of proposals is a code of practice for victims and the development of an intermediary service for witnesses to support them during their journey through the justice system.
The measures are included in a strategic action plan (PDF 494 KB), developed by a multi-agency Task Force representing the criminal justice agencies, Victim Support NI and NSPCC.
Mr Ford said: “I am committed to putting victims and witnesses of crime at the heart of the criminal justice system. Justice for All means, first and foremost, justice for victims and respecting the critically important role that both victims and witnesses play in our justice system.
“This action plan represents an important step forward in providing victims and witnesses with the support they need. It also includes commitments to join up policing and prosecution procedures, develop a new Victims Code of Practice, introduce an offender levy system and improve measures for vulnerable witnesses.
“Devolution provides us with the opportunity to reshape our justice system. Victims and witnesses are a key and integral part of its success and it is therefore crucial that we acknowledge the rights and legitimate expectations of all victims of crime. I am also determined that we enhance the quality of service provided to witnesses who assist the criminal justice process.”
Note to Editors
1. The 2010/11 strategic action plan builds on previous work under the 5-year victim and witness strategy - “Bridging the Gap” - launched in September 2007.
2. The strategy aims to improve the level of service delivered to victims and witnesses and targets 5 strategic objective areas:
Access to information about the criminal justice system;
Information provided to victims and witnesses on case progression;
The quality of service provided;
Support services; and
Listening to victims and witnesses.
The strategic action plan was developed by a multi-agency Task Force representing the criminal justice agencies, Victim Support NI and NSPCC.
3. Some of the key actions included in the programme are:
- Joining up policing and prosecution procedures to ensure that victims are kept informed at agreed milestones of the progress of their case;
- Taking forward a project to develop a new Victims of Crime Code of Practice that will enshrine the legitimate expectations of all victims of crime;
- Legislating for the introduction of an offender levy system. This will allow for monies raised to be channelled into a fund to provide support for victims of crime;
- Developing a model for the provision of an Intermediaries Service to help vulnerable witnesses. Intermediaries will facilitate communication between the police, prosecution and defence legal teams and/or the court and a witness to ensure that the communication process is as complete, coherent and accurate as possible; and
- Extending the availability of special measures for vulnerable witnesses in criminal cases, both to protect them and to enhance the quality of their evidence.
4. 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.
