SDLP: Criminal Justice system must support abuse victims

SDLP: Criminal Justice system must support abuse victims

SDLP MLA’s have called for an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice system in respect of the treatment of victims of abuse which is needed to ensure that victims and survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.

SDLP MLA’s spoke after meeting Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris in relation to victims of abuse.

West Tyrone Assembly Member Joe Byrne said:

“Over the last number of weeks it has become abundantly clear that the victims of abuse have been failed and failed utterly by the criminal justice system in the North. The actions of the public prosecution service, and subsequently the police, have contributed, in a significant way, to the suffering faced by victims as they are forced to relive the most horrendous abuse inflicted upon them.

“The unjustifiably long delays in bringing cases to trial along with the drawn out nature of preliminary hearings serves only to re-traumatise victims and undermine their confidence in the system. Justice delayed is justice denied and these victims have been denied for far too long.

“It is the bravery of Mairia Cahill and other victims coming forward to tell their stories that has brought this to light once again. I want to pay tribute to their immense strength and selflessness in trying to help other victims. It stands in stark contrast with those who sought to suppress those who have suffered abuse.

“SDLP MLAs raised this with the Deputy Chief Constable today and raised the need to look at laws in England and Wales for tackling abuse. If that framework is more appropriate and delivers justice more appropriately then we should undertake an urgent review of our own arrangements.

“My colleagues and I will also raise the treatment of campaigners like Mairia Cahill and Ann Travers by faceless individuals online with the Chief Constable at the meeting of the policing board this week. The torrent of abuse directed at these very brave women is utterly vile and must become an issue for the police immediately. The police must begin an investigation into the abuse and threats as soon as possible and bring those who think they can hide behind a nameless profile to justice.

“The SDLP will continue to champion the rights of victims and survivors, regardless of who they are.”