Wednesday 31 March 2021
Speaking on the findings of a Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) Report which showed a reduction in reports of sexual offences, Justice Committee member Rachel Woods MLA said:
"The fall in the level of reporting of sex crimes is not something we can feel positive about. Sexual crimes occur in personal relationships, often in an intimate relationship or within a family relationship and given the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, this raises significant concerns over people's safety.
"Staying home does not equate with staying safe for many, many people. My message is for people to ask for help or reach out if they are experiencing sexual and or domestic abuse at this, or any other time.
"The renewed focus on Violence Against Women and Girls also serves as a reminder that the implementation of the recommendations of the Gillen review must be expediated. Victims and survivors must have confidence in the criminal justice system if we are to turn the tide of the scourge of violence against women and girls and sexual crime in our society more broadly."
ENDS
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