The Assembly’s Justice Committee has launched a public call for evidence on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill, inviting contributions from individuals and organisations ahead of the consultation’s closing date on 25 September.
Scope of the consultation
Paul Frew MLA, chair of the committee, said the panel wants to hear from those with direct experience of crime as well as from legal professionals, community groups and support services. The request is presented as an opportunity to assess whether the proposals go far enough and to identify areas for improvement in how victims and witnesses are treated within the justice system.
The bill sets out a number of reforms intended to strengthen rights and protections for those affected by crime. According to the committee’s invitation, the main measures under consideration include the creation of an independent statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, enhanced support for victims of serious sexual offences and additional safeguards for people affected by hate crime.
"The justice committee has an important role in scrutinising legislation - and hearing a wide range of views helps us to understand better how proposed laws could affect people in practice."
Contributions can be submitted online via the committee’s portal, by email or by post. The committee provided a web link for electronic responses, an email address for written submissions, and a postal address for those preferring to send printed material.
Who should respond and why it matters
The committee emphasised that lived experience is central to its scrutiny: it specifically invited responses from victims, families, community organisations and frontline services. The stated aim is to ensure the bill, if enacted, will deliver meaningful improvements in access to support and protection.
- Victims and witnesses – to describe practical impacts and unmet needs;
- Support organisations – to detail service gaps and resource requirements;
- Legal and criminal justice professionals – to assess procedural and operational implications.
The committee said the evidence will inform its scrutiny, including where proposals might require amendment before the bill progresses through the Assembly. It did not set out a timetable for later stages of legislative consideration beyond the consultation deadline.
| Proposal | Intended effect |
|---|---|
| Independent statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses | Provide oversight and advocacy for victims’ and witnesses’ rights |
| Enhanced support for victims of serious sexual offences | Improve access to specialised assistance and protections |
| Better safeguards for those affected by hate crime | Strengthen protections and tailored support measures |
Respondents are asked to consider whether the bill delivers on its objectives and to flag any unintended consequences or practical difficulties that could arise in implementation. The committee also encouraged submissions on whether the proposed measures represent the most effective way to deliver better outcomes.
Details for submitting evidence were published by the committee: responders may use the online link provided by the Assembly, email written submissions to the committee clerk, or write to the Committee Clerk at Room 345, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX. The committee noted the consultation will remain open until 25 September.
The call for evidence represents a routine but important stage in legislative scrutiny. Bringing a range of voices into the process could influence the shape of statutory protections and the support provided to victims and witnesses across Northern Ireland.
