AQW 11344/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 03/05/2024
Answered On Date: 20/05/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) how each stage of the criminal justice process is informed to (a) recognise and; (b) approach in a sensitive manner, cases involving violence against women and girls; and (ii) the training that is provided on these matters.


Answer:
I recognise how important it is to that at every stage of the criminal justice process cases involving violence against women and girls are handled with appropriate sensitivity. Comprehensive measures have been introduced across all criminal justice organisations.
It is important to emphasise that operational matters within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) remain the responsibility of the Chief Constable. Therefore, I cannot comment on specific police procedures or practices as I have a duty to respect that independence.
Similarly, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is a non-ministerial Department and is not accountable to the Department of Justice; their decisions and practices remain the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The judiciary, in their handling of cases are independent of the Department of Justice: practice directions are issues by the Lady Chief Justice to guide the judiciary in various areas of case handling.
As part of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (2021) and the Protection from Stalking Act (2022) the NI Assembly legislated for mandatory training for a number of criminal justice organisations and we monitor compliance with that legislation.
My Department also funds Victim Support NI to provide a range of support services to all victims of crime including women and girls. Victim Support NI are funded to undertake continuous training and all staff and volunteers must complete mandatory trauma informed training.
The Gillen Review set out over 30 recommendations to improve how criminal justice organisations and the legal profession can improve the training delivered to those who deal with victims of sexual crime, the majority of whom are female.
Work in this area includes the development of a Trauma Informed Learning Framework which sets out a range of training solutions intended to result in increased and improved knowledge and greater awareness and sensitivity for those dealing with victims of serious sexual offences. A multi-agency Training Group is in place to monitor delivery and impact of this training.
In addition to these developments, my Department has established an advocacy service to support victims of domestic and sexual abuse who are progressing through the criminal justice process. The service provides guidance and support to victims, tailored to individual needs. Again, the majority of victims supported by ASSIST NI are female, reflecting the nature of these crimes which disproportionately affect women and girls. All staff undergo an induction and training plan when recruited by ASSIST NI which reflects the gendered nature of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
In addition, my Department has introduced and funds Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAs) which provides legal advice and information to adult complainants in serious sexual offence cases as they navigate the criminal justice system. SOLAs, who receive continuous training including on trauma informed practice, are also located within Victim Support NI which helps facilitate rapid referral or direction to specialised services if required.
I trust that this overview provides insight into the proactive measures taken by my Department to address cases of violence against women and girls within the criminal justice system. I remain committed to continuously improving outcomes in this area.