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Sarah from Belfast

Sarah* was a victim of domestic violence who took the brave step of reporting the crime despite her fears of having to face her estranged husband in court. Sarah’s case dragged on for almost 2 years, after which time her husband eventually pleaded guilty.

Throughout Sarah’s journey, Victim Support NI provided her with emotional support as well as practical assistance in completing an application for Criminal Injuries Compensation. The Witness Service took her on a pre-trial visit of the court to ease her anxieties and supported her emotionally at each of the court hearings, providing a safe room to wait away from her husband.

After two difficult years pursuing justice, Sarah was left with a large legal bill for civil orders she had taken to protect herself. She felt let down by the system. Victim Support NI helped Sarah to document her experience in a written letter of complaint to the Public Prosecution Service. We then accompanied Sarah as she met with the Solicitor to the Attorney General who undertook to highlight the issues raised with the Department of Justice.

Sarah has since received a personal letter from Justice Minister David Ford who said he is determined to ensure victims of domestic violence are fully supported and he will take Sarah’s experience in to account as part of the process of improving victims’ experience of the criminal justice system.

Sarah said “I felt empowered by the support I received. I feel that Victim Support were the only group that actually took the time to listen to me.”

* All names and locations have been changed. Images are models