Commissioner for Victims of Crime NI

HUGE thanks to @CVOCNI and team for the support today and ongoing advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people seeking sanctuary in NI 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Great to be at @belfastpride today with @RainbowRefugeNI incredible energy! Hate crime against LGBTQ+ people is a serious issue and we must do everything possible to support victims of those crimes.

"For some it can give them a sense of empowerment as well as a feeling of some type of closure, that they have had their say and they have been able to share that with the court and the perpetrator." @CVOCNI spoke to That's TV about the significance of victim impact statements.

Have you been the victim of a crime in Northern Ireland? We want to hear about your experience, use your voice to tell us how the criminal justice system can work better for victims here. cvocni.org/have-your-say

Positive to see these calls from the NI Affairs Committee, welcome that the importance of support services funding is acknowledged. Violence against women and girls is an issue that requires resources and political commitment.

Interesting recommendations from Sir Brian Leveson. Obviously these apply to England and Wales but interesting to see if these recommendations are acted upon. What do you think about these suggestions?

Views are being sought on whether the PSNI and PPS should be given additional powers to deal with a range of offences outside the traditional court process. Read more about the @Justice_NI consultation at: justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations

Great to meet with Ivy and the team at the Inter Ethnic Forum, MEA last week to hear about work they’re doing to support victims of racist violence in the area. We have to learn lessons from the past to make sure victims have support and services they need.

SAVE THE DATE📅📅📅 7 September 2025 3pm Important information for everyone, especially victims of domestic abuse who may have a hidden phone in the house.

Really positive to see this guidance published. Absolutely crucial that as technology develops we continue to adapt to try and protect victims and potential victims from harm.