Consultation launched on proposals for achieving best evidence

3.28.00pm GMT Mon 26th Jul 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has today launched a consultation on best practice guidance for practitioners on interviewing children, and vulnerable and intimidated adult victims and witnesses.

The guidance has been developed by a sub-group of the Victim and Witness Task Force and will be used by police officers, legal representatives, social care workers and therapists.

Mr Ford said: "I cannot emphasise enough the significant part that victims and witnesses play in bringing perpetrators to justice, so it is essential that their engagement in the criminal justice process and beyond is handled with compassion and care.

"It is accepted that securing the best evidence from vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, in particular children, is often difficult.

"This proposed guidance is another important tool for those practitioners who work at the core with all victims and witnesses.

"Devolution of justice provides us with the opportunities to shape the criminal justice system for the people of Northern Ireland. So I would encourage all those who have an interest in driving forward the changes to respond to this consultation."