Dickson Encourages Victims & Witnesses of Crime to Engage with Public Consultation

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has encouraged engagement with the Department of Justice’s public consultation on proposals to improve the experience of victims and witnesses as they move through the criminal justice system.

Mr Dickson said: “Interacting with Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system can be a very difficult and stressful time for both victims and witnesses. With this in mind, the Minister for Justice has chosen to review how the system works currently, develop new proposals dealing with the issues identified, and then progress effective change.

“By reviewing the criminal justice system from the perspective of the victims and witnesses, the department aims to instil empathy and compassion into the heart of the system.

The consultation is in relation to two strategic and related proposals: the first, on a new three-year draft Victim and Witness Strategy for Northern Ireland; and the second, on an establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “I commend the Minister for prioritising this consultation, and I look forward to scrutinising the strategy that emerges, as well as any proposals for a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.”

The consultation can be found on the Citizen Space section of the NI Direct website and will run until 29 July 2021.