Consultation on Proposals for Inclusion in a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill

Overview

The Minister of Justice has launched a consultation and is seeking the views of the public on proposals for inclusion in a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.

The proposals on which views are sought relate to:

• The establishment of a statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime.
• A provision to compel criminal justice organisations to provide or publish statistical victim information, including evidence of Victim Charter compliance.
• The right to pre-trial independent legal representation for complainants in serious sexual offence cases.
• Enhanced protections relating to disclosure applications in serious sexual offences cases.

The closing date for the consultation is 20th February 2025.

MINISTERIAL FOREWORD

As Minister of Justice, I am focused on working with partners in government and in policing on creating a safer society for all.

Unfortunately, however, any one of us can become a victim of or a witness to a crime.

When that happens, we should expect to have our rights respected. We should expect to have a place and a voice within the justice system to engage and participate meaningfully if we wish, but particularly when our private lives might be brought into play. I believe having these basic expectations met is part of what it means to have justice delivered. The justice system is grounded upon fairness. This demands that victims and witnesses are treated fairly by the justice system, as much as it means that anyone suspected of or prosecuted for a crime is also treated fairly. Therefore, while these proposals are geared towards addressing issues for victims, I believe they will help ensure a fairer and better justice system for everyone.

A Victims and Witnesses of Crime Commissioner, independent from the justice system and from government, can act as motivator for change, highlighting where rights, entitlements and reasonable expectations such as those contained within the Victim Charter and Witness Charter, are not met, and make recommendations based on evidence and data.  The proposals on legal representation for victims in serious sexual offence cases, and for changes to the disclosure process, aim to implement best practice in ensuring that while all relevant evidence is made available, the rights of both parties are upheld and protected.

The Department is seeking to ensure that these measures are effective in meeting the intended aims, and are compatible with existing rights and legal processes. Therefore, I encourage views and comments from as wide a range of people as possible and ask for reasons to be included.

I wish to offer my appreciation to all who contribute to this important element of the legislative process.

Naomi Long MLA

Minister of Justice