Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) Responds to DoJ Consultation on Reduced Sentences for Guilty Pleas
Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) Responds to DoJ Consultation on Reduced Sentences for Guilty Pleas
July 2025 – The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) has submitted a comprehensive response to the Department of Justice (DoJ) consultation on reduced sentences for guilty pleas. This response underscores the WRDA's commitment to advocating for women's rights and ensuring that the justice system in Northern Ireland is fair and effective.
Introduction
The WRDA has long been a vocal advocate for women's issues. Our response to the DoJ consultation is informed by extensive research and the lived experiences of women affected by violence and the justice system.
Key Points of the Response
Support for Statutory Guidance: The WRDA advocates for statutory guidance on sentence reductions for guilty pleas to ensure consistency and fairness in sentencing. This guidance should involve input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including legal experts and victim support organisations.
Early Guilty Pleas: The WRDA supports measures to encourage early guilty pleas, which can reduce the emotional and financial burden on survivors and the justice system. However, clear definitions and guidelines are necessary to ensure these measures are effective and just.
Public Confidence and Clarity: Enhancing public confidence in the justice system is crucial. The WRDA believes that clear, statutory guidelines will help achieve this by making sentencing more transparent and understandable.
Addressing Bias: The response highlights the importance of addressing potential biases in the justice system, including racial bias. Statutory guidance can help mitigate these biases and ensure fair treatment for all.
Victim Support: The WRDA emphasizes the need for better support for victims throughout the legal process. This includes timely updates, clear communication, and ensuring that sentences reflect the severity of the crime.
Conclusion
The WRDA welcomes the DoJ's efforts to review sentencing structures and believes that the proposed changes are a positive step towards a more just and equitable system. We remain committed to advocating for the rights of women and ensuring that their voices are heard in all aspects of policy and decision-making.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Elaine Crory, Women’s Sector Lobbyist, WRDA: elaine.crory@wrda.net
Meghan Hoyt, Women’s Sector Lobbyist Policy Assistant, WRDA: meghan.hoyt@wrda.net
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