Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a public communications campaign to raise awareness of new services for victims of sexual crime in Northern Ireland.

The 'Justice is Changing' campaign highlights measures introduced by the Department of Justice, many developed in response to the Gillen Review, an independent examination of how serious sexual offence cases are handled in the local justice system.

Long said victims had told the review that the justice process could worsen their trauma through delays, invasions of privacy, and a lack of timely support and information. The department has addressed these concerns with a range of new measures, she said.

The campaign aims to inform the public about available services and encourage victims to report crimes and stay engaged with the justice system until their case concludes.

The Department of Justice and its partners have introduced several services, including a remote evidence centre, a victim portal, and a pilot project for intermediaries to assist vulnerable witnesses. A 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline is also available.

Long said progress has been made but more work remains. The department is working towards introducing a Barnahus model to Northern Ireland, creating guidance for the media on reporting rape and other sexual crimes, and introducing new measures in the Victims & Witnesses Bill, introduced to the assembly in June, to further protect complainants' personal information, including counselling notes and medical records.

The campaign will run across the department's social media channels. Full details of the changes made as part of the Gillen implementation programme are available online.