A review into how serious sexual crimes are handled by the judicial system will be led by a retired Appeal Court judge.
Sir John Gillen met representatives from Victim Support, Nexus NI, Women's Aid and Men's Advisory Project, for a brief introductory meeting yesterday morning.
Afterwards, Jan Melia of Women's Aid welcomed the development, which will see Sir John supported by an advisory panel to examine a range of issues brought to light in the wake of the high profile rape trial of two Ulster Rugby and Ireland players.
Following the nine-week trial of players, Paddy Jackson (26) and 25-year-old Stuart Olding, which ended in March with their acquittal, there has been a wide-ranging public debate over how such trials are conducted in Northern Ireland.
The jury also found Jackson not guilty of sexual assault and two other men on trial on lesser charges were unanimously acquitted.
"We a delighted that a review has been announced and that Sir John Gillen is heading up the processes," Ms Melia said.
"We understand this it will be robust and all encompassing review and we are pleased with this.
"We want the victims voice in all aspects of criminal justice processes."
The review has been commissioned by the Criminal Justice Board and is expected to be completed by January 2019.
It will examine the disclosure of unused material; support for victims and witnesses; measures to ensure the anonymity of the complainant; the arguments for defendant anonymity; the impact of social media on trials; reporting restrictions; public attendance at trials.
Developments in neighbouring jurisdictions will also be considered.
Sir John retired as a Lord Justice of Appeal having previously served as a High Court judge, family judge and chairman of the Children Order Advisory Committee.
Last September he published a review of the civil and family justice system in Northern Ireland.
The review was welcomed by former Justice Minister David Ford .
"There is undoubtedly a pressing need to provide protections for both complainants and defendants in what is a difficult area," he said.
"There are a number of lessons need to be learned from the recent trial at Belfast Crown Court and I am confident Sir John Gillen will do a thorough job in looking at them.
"It is also important anyone who has concerns about this issue brings it forward and contributes to the review."
* The proposed Terms of Reference, and a contact email address for those wishing to contribute to the review, are available on the DOJ website at: https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-arrangements-deliver-justice-serious-sexual-offence-cases-terms-reference.