Victims and Witnesses Strategy 2025 - 2030 Consultation

Overview

Purpose of this consultation

The Minister of Justice is committed to improving the experience of victims and witnesses of crime in the criminal justice system. In addition to the trauma that the crime itself can cause, it is recognised that the process of engaging with the criminal justice system can also be daunting, challenging and at times disorienting for victims and witnesses.

The Department of Justice has already put in place a range of measures to support victims and witnesses; rights and entitlements are enshrined under the Victim Charter and Witness Charter, and the current Victim and Witness Strategy sets out priorities and goals to improve the journey and prevent further harm.

However we also know that more work needs to be done to ensure that the system meets the needs of all victims and witnesses. Feedback, surveys and reviews have highlighted where we can improve experiences and outcomes.

Last year we carried out a Call for Views to gather evidence from the public, from those with an interest in issues which impact on victims and witnesses, and those who have been directly affected by crime. Our new draft strategy has been developed taking on board the views expressed and in consultation with senior practitioners across the criminal justice system.

Responding to this draft strategy for consultation

The Department invites your views on the content of this draft strategy (Annex A) by asking 6 questions about the strategy. We would be particularly pleased to hear from victims and witnesses of crime, organisations representing victims and witnesses of crime, criminal justice organisations and legal practitioners, frontline workers and service providers.

If you require a hard copy of this consultation document or have any other enquiries please email your request to DOJVictimsWitnesses@justice-ni.gov.uk (hyperlink) or you can write to us at:

Victims and Witnesses Branch
Access to Justice Directorate
Department of Justice
Knockview Building, Block 2
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SX

The Department will publish a summary of responses to this consultation. All information will be handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Duration and closing date

The consultation will be open for 10 weeks from 19th May 2025. The closing date is 27th July 2025.

Alternative formats

The consultation documents are available online at: Draft Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy 2025-2030 - Department of Justice. Hard copies and copies in other formats, including Braille, large print etc. can be made available on request. If it would assist you to access the document in an alternative format or language other than English, please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.

An Easy Read version of the draft strategy is being finalised and it will be available online very soon.