System must not re-victimise

Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the Justice Minister's commitment to improving the experience of victims and witnesses in the justice system, insisting that "they must not become victims of the process as well as of the perpetrator".

"There is no doubt that we need a Criminal Justice System that does more to meet victims' needs and to minimize the risk of compounding their trauma.

"It is an unfortunate reality that victims can feel like a cog in the machinery of justice - sidelined and ill-informed - but we now have an opportunity to tackle the existing inadequacies.

"One thing that must be at the core of any strategy is recognition that securing a conviction is not a solution for most victims, many of whom will continue to deal with the effects of the crime long after the process has come to an end," the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said.

"As it stands, we in Northern Ireland are lagging behind our UK counterparts in terms of our treatment of victims, and I commend the Minister on seeking to redress the balance.

"We must work towards a holistic approach to caring for victims, which recognises their pivotal and sensitive role in the justice process.

"While I remain sceptical about the costs and benefits of the Offenders Levy, I am heartened at the prospect of a code of practice for victims, and commitments to join up policing and prosecution procedures."