Northern Ireland

Experts gather to discuss overhaul of system to help child victims of sexual offences

Sir John Gillen led an independent review into the criminal justice system's handling of serious sexual offence cases
Sir John Gillen led an independent review into the criminal justice system's handling of serious sexual offence cases Sir John Gillen led an independent review into the criminal justice system's handling of serious sexual offence cases

A RETIRED judge has warned "urgent creative thinking" is needed to ensure "true justice" for child victims in the courts.

Lord Justice Gillen, a former Appeal Court judge who led an independent review into the criminal justice system's handling of serious sexual offence cases, was speaking ahead of a seminar today focusing on child victims.

Also attending `Time for Change: Improving our justice system for child victims of sexual offences' will be UN Committee on the Rights of the Child member Bragi Guðbrandsson and Koulla Yiasouma Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.

The majority of reported sexual offences in Northern Ireland are committed against children and instances of abuse continue to rise.

"Children face unique challenges within our system and require urgent creative thinking on our part if we are to afford them true justice," Sir John said.

"We have to question whether the conventional adversarial system is appropriate or just for children."

Ms Yiasouma said: "The very least we can do is to ensure that reporting, investigation and court processes in themselves do not cause or exacerbate trauma or distress".

Also attending will be representatives from the Department of Education, social services, the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts and Tribunals Service.

They will explore how child victims can be better supported and cases be more effectively taken through the courts.

Mr Guðbrandsson is former director general of the Icelandic Government Agency for Child Protection which has changed the way cases of child sexual exploitation were investigated by introducing a child centred model, Barnahus in 1998.

"Since introducing the Barnahus model in 1998, twice as many cases of suspected sexual abuse have been investigated, the number of cases prosecuted has tripled and the same applies to the number of sentences passed on a yearly basis.

"Furthermore, the model's adaptability to meet unique social, legal and political contexts is proven through its implementation in a growing number of countries."

Ms Yiasouma said "new ways of working" are need to "secure children’s best evidence, minimise the need for multiple interviews and examinations, reduce delays in children’s access to therapeutic support, address attrition and deal authoritatively with delays in proceedings".

If you have been affected by sexual violence or abuse or are worried about someone who may be affected please contact social services, the police or NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.