Statement Regarding Dr. Jan Melia’s Review into the Death of Katie Simpson

We welcome the independent review by Dr. Jan Melia into the death of Katie Simpson which was published by the Justice Minister Naomi Long on 5 May 2026. The 200-page review sheds new light on the response of the PSNI in the days after Ms Simpson was hospitalised and died. It makes 16 recommendations to prevent this from happening again.

While our thoughts are first and foremost with Katie’s family and friends who continue to come to terms with her tragic death, we are also concerned about the impact of this review on the 37 other alleged abuse victims of her accused killer, Jonathan Creswell. We are also cognisant that the details contained in this review may be retraumatising for other victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

If you have been impacted by the publication of this review, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our services are trauma-informed, confidential, safe, and free.

A list of all our services can be found on our website: Victim Support NI | Supporting People Affected By Crime.

You can contact us from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on the phone number below. Alternatively, you can email either our Belfast or Foyle offices.

Belfast phone number: 028 9013 0405 (This is a free and completely confidential line)

Belfast office email: belfast@victimsupportni.org.uk

Foyle office email: foyle@victimsupportni.org.uk

For our Sexual Offences Legal Adviser (SOLA) team, email sola@victimsupportni.org.uk or to contact our Children’s SOLA, email csola@victimsupportni.org.uk

For those living in the Republic of Ireland, you can contact the Crime Victims Helpline on Freephone 116 006 or visit their website: www.crimevictimshelpline.ie

You can avail of further support from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline in Northern Ireland. Their number is 0808 802 1414 and their email address is help@dsahelpline.org

No one should suffer in silence, please be reassured that help and support is available.