The PSNI’s decision to drop the investigation into John McElholm will be devastating news for over 20 of his alleged victims. Their long wait for justice has ended with one phone call.

For the alleged victims it may feel like history repeating itself. They were let down as children and now they have been let down as adults. It would be understandable if their trust in other people is at a low ebb. They may even regret reporting the incidents to the police and putting themselves through a long, difficult process ‘for nothing’.

Unfortunately, their story is not unusual. As I wrote in The Impartial Reporter last November, fewer than 10 per cent of victims of sexual offences secure a conviction in Northern Ireland.

However, a criminal prosecution is not the only opportunity for justice. Civil claims can also be made against an alleged or convicted offender. Where the offender has recently died, this claim can be made against their estate. A civil action can also be taken against individuals or organisations which are vicariously liable for the offender’s actions, such as an employer.

Civil claims can be a ‘second chance’ for justice. However, as the law stands in Northern Ireland, victims of child sexual abuse must begin a civil action no later than three years from their 18th birthday. In exceptional cases, victims can apply for this deadline to be extended. This week’s news illustrates why Northern Ireland should follow Scotland’s example and do away with this time limit altogether. Now that devolution has been restored, there is nothing stopping the Northern Ireland Assembly from making this change right now.

If McElholm’s alleged victims can’t get justice in court, then their ‘last resort’ for justice is a claim for criminal injuries compensation. Money is not the motivating factor here. Instead, it is the final chance for closure to a decades-long story.

For now, the alleged victims will need some time to recover from this terrible news. In the months ahead, some will want to continue their fight for justice. Others will understandably want to close the book on this traumatic chapter of their lives. Whatever they decide to do, I hope they will remember the outpouring of support over the last year. This community has been behind them all the way. Their journey through the criminal justice system may have ended but our support for them continues.