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Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna, expressed disappointment and concern today that outcomes for victims remain poor according to the latest report from Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).
The report, which examines progress made in improving file quality and disclosure since their last inspection in 2015 reinforces the need for urgent action on the Commissioner’s three key priorities of delay, data and disclosure.
Ms Hanna explained that the length of time a case takes to get to court can often have a profound detrimental impact on a victim’s mental health and well-being.
She continued: “I am extremely disappointed and concerned that overall the outcomes for victims remains poor and the length of time cases are taking to progress through the system has increased.
“These avoidable delays increase stress and anxiety for the victim, witnesses and their families who have been psychologically preparing themselves for the trial only to have the case adjourned to a later date.
“Whilst these figures are of course affected by the impact of court closures during the pandemic, the report highlights continued issues with collaborative working and file quality that were highlighted in the 2015 report. I am particularly disheartened to see that CJI’s Chief Inspector Jacqui Durkin has had to repeat the same recommendations in this report due to a lack of sufficient progress.”
According to the report victims did not receive updates in over a third of cases reviewed, despite the statutory commitment enshrined in the Victim Charter.
However the report does highlight examples of how collaboration across agencies, good record keeping and supervision can help ensure the smooth transition of case removing avoidable delay.
Ms Hanna added that the CJI report provides a clear analysis of the issues and recommendations for improvement.
She continued: “I encourage the Criminal Justice Board to commit to the swift and effective implementation of the report’s recommendations building in clear accountability and performance measures against which progress can be monitored.”
“Victims of crime expect and rightly deserve access to justice. The quality of files and case preparation impacts on the length of time victims have to wait for the court case.
“It is vitally important that we get things right first time to ensure the swift and fair progression of the case to trial. This will help to reduce further harm to victims and improve both victims and the wider public’s confidence in the criminal justice system.”
You can read a copy of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland report here