Inspectorate examines handling of sexual violence and abuse cases

Criminal Justice Inspection has published a report into how the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland handles cases involving sexual violence and abuse.  View report. View press release.

The report tracks how cases are handled from when a victim first contacts the police until a court case begins.  The report has acknowledged good practice identified across the criminal justice system during the inspection process.  The report also includes 12 recommendations aimed at further improving the way sexual crimes are handled.  Following the publication of the report, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland Dr Michael Maguire urged the criminal justice system to collectively work to improve the way in which justice agencies engage with victims of sexual violence and abuse, so that they receive the best possible service in these demanding circumstances.