The need for a victim and survivor centred, trauma-informed approach: A Response to the Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past Consultation

Among the key goals of the new proposed Legacy Institutions in Northern Ireland are the promotion of reconciliation and the acknowledgement of the suffering of victims and survivors. However, the needs of survivors, particularly in relation to psychological support, receives scant consideration in the consultation document.In this response we therefore consider the potential impact of the legacy structures and their processes, on the mental health of the people who engage with them, the staff, and on the population in general. We put forward six key recommendations to mitigate against harm and maximise the potential of the institutions to promote recovery and healing.