Working together to support victims of sexual violence

4.25.00pm GMT Mon 5th Jul 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has today outlined proposals to further assist victims of sexual violence.

The Minister was responding to the publication of a report by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate on the handling of sexual violence and abuse cases by the criminal justice system.

David Ford said: "Northern Ireland must have a criminal justice system which puts victims and witnesses at the core.

"As part of this, it is of paramount importance that victims of sexual violence and abuse are provided with the necessary support and that they have confidence in the service they are receiving.

"This report highlights many examples of good practice and successful partnership working between criminal justice agencies and the voluntary sector.

"However, it also highlights the complex and sensitive issues that sexual violence and abuse victims may face. As a result cases often do not get reported or proceed through the system. This is an area of real concern which I have discussed with Dr Maguire.

"In the autumn I will be announcing a range of proposals for tackling these important issues. They include the development of special support and advocacy services for victims of rape or sexual assault; publication of a step by step victim information handbook; and legislation to provide enhanced special measures for victims giving evidence at court."

The report makes a number of recommendations about further strengthening police and prosecution case management arrangements and building on best practice in communication with victims.

Commenting on the report, Jim Scholes, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions said: "The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) welcomes the publication by the Inspectorate of its Report on Sexual Violence and Abuse. Many of the recommendations of the Reportare already being implemented in conjunction with the PSNI and other partners.

"The PPS recognises that offences involving sexual violence and abuse are serious and deeply damaging crimes which can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. We are committed to enhancing our services to and communication with victims to improve victims' experience of the Criminal Justice System.

"The PPS notes the findings of the Inspectorate that the decisions as to prosecution were in accordance with the Test for Prosecution in all cases examined by the Inspectorate.

"The Report recognises the level of good practice which exists and has commended the PPS's approach to the training of its prosecutors and specialist police investigators.

"We will continue to raise the level of expertise in dealing with crimes in this area and will work with our partner organisations to ensure that issues highlighted by the CJI are acted upon expeditiously."

Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "The PSNIconstantly strive to improve our service to victims of sexual violence and have established.We haveestablished Public Protection Units in each District just over ago which years agowhich we continually review to ensure the highest standards.

"The inspection report identified four key areas for improvement and we are committed to working with our partner agencies to improvethequality and consistency of the treatment of service.

"The treatmentof victims in particular is key to the prospect of securing a conviction and the gathering of enhanced forensic evidence can add considerable value to an investigation. A Sexual Assault Referral Centre will offer a single, coordinated, supportive response to the victims needs and provide immediate emotional and medical support and an enhanced forensic response.

"Meeting the immediate needs of victims of serious sexual assault and reducing the likelihood of any contribute greatly having the consequences will contributegreatly to havingthe issues raised in this report addressed."