Ministers made the announcement by way of a written statement to the Assembly. Copies of the strategy are being made available to all interested bodies and groups who participated in the consultation process.
In their statement Ministers said: “The main aim of the strategy is to secure a measurable improvement in the well being of victims and survivors. The overarching principles are that the strategy will be victim and survivor centred and address the needs of victims and survivors in a coordinated manner. The key elements underpinning the strategy are the Commission for Victims and Survivors, the recently established Forum and the proposed Victims and Survivors Service.
“The publication of this strategy places the needs of victims and survivors at its centre and marks a step change in the way that we will provide support to victims and survivors. Two of the main strands of the strategy are in place, the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the recently established Forum. We are currently analysing all of the responses from our recent consultation on the proposed Victims and Survivors Service which will become the funding and delivery body responsible for providing support to victims.
“Once this strategy is fully implemented and its structures bedded in, all those involved in the victims and survivors sector will see a more focussed, coordinated and needs led approach to how we provide support to victims and survivors.”
Copies of the Strategy for Victims and Survivors are available from the Victims Unit in hard copy. It has also been published on the OFMDFM website.
Notes to editors:
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