More than 80 per cent of crime victims in Northern Ireland lack confidence that they will receive justice, according to researchers from Queen's University Belfast. The findings underscore an urgent need for widespread improvements across the region's legal framework.

Dr Katie McGaughey and Professor Cherie Armour, from the School of Psychology at Queen's, hosted a collaborative event gathering approximately 120 policymakers, lawyers, and psychologists. The assembly aimed to analyse the systemic obstacles faced by victims during legal proceedings, with a specific focus on the profound role that trauma plays throughout the process.

The event featured addresses from key legal and civic figures, including the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, and the Victims' Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland, Geraldine Hanna.

During the proceedings, Professor Armour led a specialized panel session featuring solicitors and psychologists. The discussions concentrated on ensuring victims are taken seriously, identifying where current procedures fail them, and evaluating how misconceptions regarding trauma and memory might inadvertently influence sentencing decisions. The panel also addressed communication strategies and methods for frontline staff to deliver trauma-informed care. Additionally, the panel included representatives from the solicitor safety group who have personal experience as victims of crime. These contributors provided insights into how navigating the legal structure from a victim's perspective altered their professional viewpoints.

Dr McGaughey from Queen's said: "We know from the 2025 Victim Survey Report, that in Northern Ireland, more than 80 per cent of crime victims are not confident that they will receive justice. It is clear that the system needs to improve. In order to make positive changes, it is vital that we understand the problems and impact of this, and the role that trauma plays.

"Today, we have brought together those who work with victims, who understand victims and who can hopefully make a difference in driving forward improvements in the system."

Professor Armour commented: "Our key focus was exploring how we can make things better for victims. We look forward to continuing discussions, and we hope this will result in positive change for victims of crime."

Commenting on the importance of partnership, Geraldine Hanna, Victims' Commissioner Designate, said: "Close collaboration between academics, practitioners and policy makers is vitally important to help progress positive change for victims of crime in Northern Ireland.

"Since I took up this role, I have heard time and time again from victims whose confidence in our justice system has been shaken by their experience.

"Events like today are so important, because bringing people together helps us to identify evidence-based solutions that can make a real difference in the day-to-day experience of victims of crime."