Category: Victims in the justice system
Use for stories relating to the way the justice system operates.
Victims’ Commissioner responds to Law Commission consultation on reforming communication offences
Dame Vera Baird urges the Commission to consult widely with the VAWG sector on the creation of any new offences.
Victims’ Commissioner responds to statistics on honour-based abuse offences recorded by the police
The police data on honour-based abuse "shows we are doing these victims a disservice," says Victims' Commissioner.
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes new HMICFRS report recommending ‘immediate action’ to ensure vulnerable migrant victims of crime can confidently report to police
Dame Vera says some of the most vulnerable people in society suffer significant, avoidable harm in fear fear that criminal justice authorities will treat them as a questionable immigrant, not a victim. "This has to stop," she says, "and I am pleased to see HMICFRS has recognised this in its report."
Victims’ Commissioner writes to Minister Malthouse on the recording of hate crime
Dame Vera Baird has written to the Minister for State for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse MP, to discuss the police recording of hate crime.
Victims’ Commissioner responds to consultation on making parole hearings open to victims
In her consultation response, Dame Vera Baird welcomes the initiative to consider how to make the parole process more open, while urging the Ministry of Justice to be mindful of the potential for traumatising victims.
New courtroom protections for vulnerable victims available nationwide
The Victims' Commissioner welcomes the national rollout of pre-recorded cross-examination (Section 28).
Inspectors find “serious” CPS errors led to data security breaches
The Victims’ Commissioner reacts to “alarming” inspectorate findings as it was revealed the CPS was responsible for a significant number of “serious” data security breaches of victims’ personal details.
One in four cases, victims withdraw support for prosecution
he increase in the percentage of victims withdrawing support for a prosecution is very worrying and should be seen as part of an ongoing trend. It tells us there is falling confidence in our justice system, either to deliver justice or to do so in a timely way.
Victims’ Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner express concerns about the drop in domestic abuse and rape prosecutions and cases charged
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a uniquely dangerous time for those subjected to domestic abuse and rape, and it is vital that they can access the justice they deserve.
CPS statistics show a further drop in rape charges despite police referring more cases
Crown Prosecution Service data, issued yesterday, shows a further fall in the number of charges for rape despite police referring more cases to them.