SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter
Ms Hunter said: “I’m delighted to announce today that my bill to prevent secondary traumatisation for victims of sexual violence has been submitted to the clerk.
“Sexual violence and gender based violence are particularly wicked forms of crime that cause devastating and lifelong trauma for victims, and for far too long our courts system has been causing further injury to victims seeking justice.”
“Whilst the battle to end sexual violence and gender based violence will continue long after yesterday, I am pleased to have presented a bill that will go some way in facilitating a more humane and victim-centred experience for those seeking justice in Northern Ireland.
“The bill seeks to ensure better safeguarding of the rights and wellbeing of those entering the courts and aims to protect and empower the victim in their quest for justice.
“I would like to especially thank the Commissioner for Victims of Crimes, Geraldine Hanna, Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLA), and Nexus NI, a rape counselling service, for their time and guidance on the details that this area involves.
“Consultation with these groups has been invaluable in gaining a better understanding of the challenges that victims face when accessing our courts and on providing insight as to how the process could be improved for victims.
“Furthermore, the conversations that I have had with victims of sexual assault across the North has been instrumental in my understanding of this area.
“For the last two years the number women coming forward to prosecute crimes of a sexual nature in Northern Ireland has decreased.
“Unfortunately this is indicative of the low levels of trust and belief that victims have in our courts system, rather than a drop off in these crimes.
“It is vital that we, as legislators, bring forward measures to ensure that sexual crimes victims are able to engage with a justice system that puts their wellbeing and interests first.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across all political parties and hope that this Assembly will enact solutions to end the secondary victimisation too often brought on through our courts.”
Tags: