WRITTEN QUESTIONS
9th Assembly

01/11/2004

227. Vulnerable victims – interview initiatives

Ms Carney to MINISTER for Justice and Attorney-General

QUESTION

I would be grateful if you would provide the answers to the following questions in relation to the Justice Department's Budget for 2004-05. In order to assist you, please note that this question relates to output group: 1.0 Legal Services (1.4: Office of the DPP).

The stress and trauma of giving evidence is a well-known and general disincentive for victims to report crimes, and that the intimidatory efforts of defence lawyers often are significant factors in contributing to not guilty verdicts;

In November 2003 you announced that you would investigate implementing a number of initiatives to reduce the stress and trauma of vulnerable victims giving evidence -

1. Why haven’t you announced any initiatives since giving notice of your intention to do so in a press release dated 23rd November 2003? If relevant changes are still planned, when will they occur.

ANSWER

Answered on