Family members of murder victims launch campaign to speak at parole hearings

The family members of two people who were murdered in Northern Ireland have launched a campaign to allow victims to read impact statements at parole hearings.

Social enterprise Voicing the Void has been working with people who's loved ones were murdered in order to launch a campaign, Stand with Victims: A Call for Justice and Voice in Northern Ireland, that would allow victims of crime to read impact statements at parole hearings so their voices can be heard in the justice process.

Currently in Northern Ireland, victims of crime can only submit written statements to parole hearings and while these are still powerful, the campaign believes that if these were read in person it would provide more depth and presence to the parole board. This right is currently available to victims elsewhere in the UK.

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Voicing the Void said: "This isn’t just about policy; it’s about dignity, justice, and the right to be heard. Giving victims the chance to speak directly to those making parole decisions restores a sense of agency and is a step toward healing."

The campaign has been working in partnership with PBNI's Victim Information Scheme and has been funded through the victim's of crime fund.

Liz Adair, who's sister Sue-Ellen was killed by her uncle John Clifford in 1988 after she was abducted from her Newtownabbey home, is helping to lead the campaign alongside the sister of Seamus Lyttle, who murdered his mother in 2005.

Speaking to Belfast Live they said that they hope that by raising awareness about their campaign they can see reforms put in place in order to make the criminal justice system more 'victim focused' and ensure their voices are heard throughout the process from trial to parole.

Liz said that while she has been granted permission to be the first person in Northern Ireland to speak at a parole hearing, it is yet to take place.

She said that the possibility of Clifford being released has caused her a lot of anxiety and in 2018 when he escaped from a prison release scheme, she had to move from her home as she no longer felt safe.

She said: "Over a year ago I submitted a request to read my victim impact statement at the parole hearing and while it has been a long process to go through, I have been told that I will be the first person in Northern Ireland to speak at one when it eventually takes place.

"I want to ensure that victims are given a central role in the justice process and that their voices are heard throughout it.

"There is only so much that a written statement can do or even one that is read out by a lawyer, and it is vital that victims are able to talk about the impact crimes have had on them face to face with the parole board."

The sister of Seamus Lyttle, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said that her brother is currently walking the streets of Belfast despite the horrendous crimes that he has committed. She said that she feels the rights of criminals are often given more thought than those of victims and that they deserve to be more involved with the criminal justice process.

She said: "I feel like I have had no voice at all throughout this entire process and now have to live my life in constant fear of bumping into this man when I leave my house.

"When it comes to the criminal justice system it feels like he has more rights than I do and authorities do more to accommodate him and make sure that he is has all the rights available to him, rather than those who have suffered because of him.

"The aim of the campaign is to call for the criminal justice system to centre victims first and make sure that their voices and wishes are heard. There needs to be urgent reforms and a change in policy here in Northern Ireland to ensure that victims are front and centre and that our rights and wellbeing are protected."

Voicing the Void has recently been awarded £18,000 in funding from UnLtd, the UK’s foundation for social entrepreneurs. The award’s funding and tailored business support will significantly help Voicing the Void to widen their positive social impact for the marginalised communities they support.

Rory Doherty, Founder of Voicing the Void, said: “UnLtd’s support is a game-changer for us. It will allow us to expand our reach and provide more opportunities for the people we work with, while strengthening our community resilience programs. The funding and expertise will help us continue to make a lasting impact, one story at a time.”

If you would like to support the Stand with Victims campaign, you can do so via this link.

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