EO Launches New Strategy For Victims And Survivors

A public consultation on the on a new Strategy for Victims and Survivors, has been announced by the Executive Office.

The new strategy will ensure the right trauma informed and victim centred services are in place to empower and support victims and survivors, and contribute to building a shared and peaceful future. It also sets out the specific areas relating to victims and survivors which will require particular focus during the period of the strategy.

Launching the consultation, Gareth Johnston, Deputy Secretary, Good Relations and Inclusion, said: "The Executive Office is committed to ensuring that the needs of victims and survivors continue to be met in the most effective and appropriate way.

"This new strategy aims to build upon the progress we have already made. It marks the latest milestone in improving support for victims and survivors and we would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation to help shape it."

Mary Moreland, a UDR veteran and widow of a serving soldier said: "The last Strategy was published in 2009. With so much happening right now that affects victims and survivors, it's time to really take stock of where we have come in the last 14 years and what the needs and issues are in the modern context for Northern Ireland. It's so important that people take this opportunity to feed into what needs to be done moving forward."

Also encouraging responses was Paul McCormac, whose father was a civil servant killed during his public service: "This Strategy spans the next number of years and will really shape the future landscape for victims and survivors. It is so important that they, in particular, use their voice to shape what that future looks like for service delivery, how we address the past and the broader piece of what victims and survivors can do to further reconciliation."