Victim Support NI welcome the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for NI

Victim Support NI are delighted that Minister of Justice Naomi Long has today announced the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.

Following the announcement, Victim Support NI CEO Geraldine Hanna said:

“We have long been lobbying for such a role to be established in Northern Ireland.  Victim Support NI offered support to over 45,000 victims of crime last year, and recognises the need for a government-appointed official who is dedicated to protecting and upholding victims’ rights. 

A Victims’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland will ensure victims’ voices and experiences are at the forefront of decision making, and will be proactive in shaping a balanced and fair criminal justice system.  Following the establishment of the Victim Charter, and the Gillen report recommendations, the appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for victims of crime is the next logical step in improving the experience of victims and witnesses going through the justice system.  We are hopeful that the appointee will justly advocate for victims, uphold the rights enshrined in the Victim Charter, and act independently to call out those organisations and agencies who do not consistently deliver for victims.”

Victim Support NI’s contribution to the public consultation on a Victims and Witnesses strategy, which included reference to the appointment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner can be read in full here:  Policy & Research – Victim Support NI.  We believe the impact of crime does not lie solely within the justice arena.  Crime affects people across our society in a multitude of ways, and the only way to fully address the effect of crime is with a cross-departmental approach which takes in justice, health, community and education.  Therefore we hope that the Commissioner’s role will have influence across all departments, and power to bring about cross-departmental change.  We note that this role is that of a Commissioner Designate and hope that the office of Commissioner can be established in statute at the earliest possible opportunity.  We appreciate the steps being taken by Minister Long to improve our justice system for victims and witnesses in NI.