Naomi Long

The Department of Justice is seeking the views of the public as it develops its Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.

The proposals include 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; and enhanced protections relating to disclosure applications in serious sexual offences cases.

The proposed changes aim to build upon the introduction of the sexual offences legal advisers (SOLA) pilot scheme — which was recently extended for a further two years — and the development of remote evidence centres and the victim and witness charters.

Launching the consultation, justice minster Naomi Long said: “Many victims and witnesses come into contact with the criminal justice system every year. Some victims will have positive outcomes and they may feel that justice has been delivered for the harm they have experienced.

“For others, engaging with the system can leave victims feeling that their role is not clear, or that they did not have the opportunity to participate effectively about decisions that affect them.

“That is why my Department is consulting on these important proposals which aim to support victims to have a voice and to engage so that their rights and entitlements within the system are upheld.

“An independent, statutory commissioner for victims and witnesses of crime will bring tangible benefits, by highlighting where change is needed most. I want to hear views from as many people as possible to make sure we get these changes right.”

The consultation is available online and will run until 20 February 2025.