Victim Support NI welcomes Criminal Justice Inspection Report
Victim Support NI today welcomes this carefully executed and considered examination into the care and treatment of victims and witnesses in Northern Ireland by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).
It is evident that the Inspectorate has taken the time and care to view our criminal justice system through the victim’s lens. The recommendations made are achievable, necessary and victim focused, providing us with a roadmap to ensure we can meet the Victim Charter’s commitment that ‘victims of crime receive appropriate information, support and protection and are able to participate in criminal proceedings’.
Victim Support NI agrees that greater work is needed to promote understanding of and commitment to the Victim and Witness Charters. We welcome the focus of the report on individual needs assessments for victims and the recognition that victims of crime are not one homogenous group.
We are pleased the report recognises that crime type does not dictate the impact of crime on an individual, saying: “Some victims of serious crimes were emotionally strong and demonstrated a level of personal resilience and determination that was simply incredible. Conversely, others subjected to crimes labelled ‘less serious’ had been left completely devastated.” In this statement, CJI recognise the often significant and lifelong impact that crime can have on some individuals. The individually tailored support we provide to victims and witnesses is based on the principle that individual needs assessment is the only way to determine that impact. Individual needs assessment can only be effective however if accompanied by individual support packages to meet the needs of those individuals.
Victim Support NI also agrees with the report findings that the Victim Witness Care Unit role needs to be further developed. While the VWCU model has undoubtedly improved communication with victims and witnesses, further investment is needed to ensure that victims have a single point of contact to turn to for information at all stages of their Criminal Justice journey. This single point of contact role must be recognised as requiring a certain skill set and given appropriate training in order to be an empathetic, responsive and effective communicator with individual victims.
Victims and witnesses already faced many barriers and long delays in their journey through the justice system. The current COVID 19 crisis has only compounded these issues. The need for effective communication and timely case management is now vital if we wish to prevent further harm.
The role of Victim Support NI is highlighted numerous times throughout this report. We remain focused on supporting victims and witnesses and are committed to playing our part in delivering against these recommendations. We would encourage all parties to progress as swiftly as possible.