After the Trial

Once the trial is over, you may still feel that you would like further support or explanation about certain aspects of your case, whether from those people you had been dealing with directly throughout the process, or from other support agencies. To find out details on how to contact any of the criminal justice agencies, Witness Service or other support services, please visit the 'Useful Contacts Section'.

If you are interested in knowing when the offender in your case is due to be released from prison, or if they have been given a supervised sentence the terms they are bound by, you can be kept informed about this by the Northern Ireland Prison Service or by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.

Prisoner Release Victim Information Scheme

Under a new scheme introduced by the Northern Ireland Prison Service, a victim can find out when the offender in his/her case is due to be released from prison at the end of his/her sentence, or whether they have been given some temporary release from prison.

A victim may also be able to make representations to the prison authorities about an offender who is eligible for temporary release.

Participation in the Prisoner Release Victim Information Scheme is entirely voluntary. It is up to you whether you wish to obtain information about a prisoner and/or contribute to the temporary release process. You will not be forced to receive information you do not want to know and you can change your mind and opt out of the scheme at any time.

You may find it helpful to read some of the frequently asked questions in this section.