Category: Media
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes Grooming Gangs Inquiry Terms of Reference
The Victims’ Commissioner has welcomed the publication of the Terms of Reference for the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, describing it as "an important step towards confronting the profound institutional failures” that left children exposed to widespread abuse."
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes national policing stance on self‑swabbing kits, warning they expose deeper failings in the justice system
The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, has responded to the national policing position on the use of self‑swabbing kits in cases of rape and serious sexual assault. The new policing statement sets out concerns about the safety, evidential reliability and lack of safeguarding associated with self‑swabbing kits used outside regulated environments.
Victims and Courts Bill: key wins for victims at Lords Report Stage
Peers returned to the Victims and Courts Bill this week for Report Stage, where several amendments backed by the Victims’ Commissioner were debated - and, crucially, some significant changes were agreed.
“Listen to victims”: Victims’ Commissioner issues heartfelt plea to MPs ahead of debate on landmark reforms to the courts
Claire Waxman has welcomed the launch of a national Independent Legal Advisor service and the expansion of Operation Soteria, calling them "crucial" steps in protecting rape victims.
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes “long overdue” funding boost but warns investment alone won’t fix broken court system
The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of record funding for the courts system, but warned that “unlimited sitting days” must be met with wider structural reform to end the “intolerable” delays facing victims.
“Justice is not being served” – Commissioner urges urgent wholesale reform in wake of Leveson Report
Victims’ Commissioner warns that efficiency measures alone cannot fix a system at a "tipping point," calling for urgent and bold reform of the court system.
Victims’ Commissioner backs expansion of pilot strengthening rape victims’ right to challenge CPS decisions
The Victims’ Commissioner has welcomed the expansion of a pilot scheme designed to prevent rape and sexual assault cases from being stopped prematurely - while backing urgent calls for a permanent change in the law.
Crown Court victims granted free access to sentencing remarks in ‘victory’ for campaigners
"Today’s announcement is a victory for the brave survivors of the Open Justice For All campaign, and a crucial, welcome step towards real transparency in our courts."
Our justice system is too broken to deliver on its promises
In 2026, victims have more rights than ever but accessing justice has never been harder.
New guidance launched for families bereaved abroad – but legislative gaps remain
The Ministry of Justice has published a new information guide for families bereaved by homicide abroad, a move designed to assist those navigating the complex aftermath of a death overseas.