A group of bereaved women and survivors of serious crime are calling for reform to parole hearings so that victims "have the right to be heard" as they are due to attend a meeting at Stormont this week.
The 'Our Voices Matter' campaign will be meeting with Victim's Commissioner Geraldine Hanna on Wednesday, February 19, where they will call for urgent reforms that will allow victims of serious crime to speak at parole board hearings, something that takes place commonly in other parts of the UK.
Currently, victims in Northern Ireland are limited to written impact statements, often submitted without the opportunity to read them aloud or engage directly with decision-makers.
Read more: Family members of murder victims launch campaign to speak at parole hearings
The campaign is made up of a group of women who have lost loved ones to murder, domestic violence, and serious crime, who are demanding victims be given a voice in the judicial process and provided with greater support when navigating parole hearings.
Michelle, who is one of the women leading the campaign, mother was murdered by her brother with him later being released on parole without her knowledge.
She has spent years campaigining for victim's voices to be heard and for stronger protections to be put in place.
Michelle said: "After years of fighting to keep the public safe, my brother, who had hundreds of charges against him, was released without my knowledge. That mistake put lives at risk. The justice system should be designed to protect victims, not silence them."
She continued: "Due to serious failings in the judiciary, the system often prioritises the rights of perpetrators, leaving victims and their families voiceless. We need a full, holistic inclusion of victims—not just in parole hearings, but throughout the justice process. No one should have to fight for the basic right to be heard."
During their meeting at Knockview Buildings, Stormont Estate, the women will share their personal experiences with the Victims' Commissioner and call for;
The right for victims to attend parole hearings and read their impact statements aloud.
Greater transparency and accountability in parole board decisions.
Specialist support services to help victims navigate the judicial process.
Policy reforms that put victims’ voices at the centre of the justice system
The campaign is part of the "Right to Be Heard" initiative, led by Voicing the Void, a social enterprise dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices through storytelling and advocacy.
Rory Doherty, founder of Voicing the Void, said: "Victims deserve more than just a written statement. They deserve to be seen, heard, and acknowledged in the justice process. This campaign is about giving them that right."
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English (United States) ·