WRDA led Women’s Policy Group NI Welcomes Trauma Mitigation Bill for Victims of Sexual Crimes

The WRDA led Women’s Policy Group Northern Ireland (WPG NI), in collaboration with Victim Support NI, has submitted its response to the Victims of Sexual Crimes Trauma Mitigation Bill, expressing strong support for its proposals aimed at creating a more victim-centred justice system.

The Bill, which seeks to reduce re-traumatisation for victims of sexual offences, has been welcomed by WPG NI as a significant step forward in improving access to justice and safeguarding the dignity and rights of survivors.

Key Recommendations and Support

• Automatic Access to Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAs):
  WPG NI supports the automatic connection of victims to SOLAs, citing evidence that early legal intervention improves engagement and confidence in the justice process. Despite over 4,000 sexual offence cases recorded by PSNI between June 2024 and May 2025, only 366 referrals were made to the SOLA service.

• Legal Duty on PSNI for Referrals:
  The group calls for a legal obligation on PSNI to inform victims of available support services, addressing longstanding issues with referral processes and ensuring equitable access to justice.

• Victim Personal Statements in Court:
  WPG NI advocates for victims to be permitted to deliver their personal impact statements in court, either in person or via video, empowering survivors and ensuring their voices are heard.

• Free Access to Judges’ Sentencing Remarks:
  The group supports victims receiving transcripts or recordings of sentencing remarks free of charge, helping them understand judicial decisions and promoting transparency.

• Equitable Access to Localised Support Services:
  While cautious about creating a postcode lottery, WPG NI recommends a central framework to ensure trauma-informed services are available consistently across Northern Ireland.

Human Rights and Equality Impact

The WPG NI response highlights the Bill’s potential to positively impact victims’ human rights, particularly their right to dignity and access to justice under Article 8. The group asserts that defendants’ rights to a fair trial remain unaffected.

The Women’s Policy Group NI and Victim Support NI commend the Bill’s focus on trauma mitigation and victim empowerment. They urge policymakers to adopt its proposals to build a justice system that is compassionate, equitable, and responsive to the needs of survivors.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Elaine Crory – elaine.crory@wrda.net
Meghan Hoyt – meghan.hoyt@wrda.net