Category: Media

“There is no credible alternative – but even this may fall short of what’s truly needed,” says Baroness Newlove as she calls for greater investment in court capacity and victim support.

As Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week draws to a close, the Victims’ Commissioner has welcomed new Government action to tackle incidents in town centres – while urging policymakers not to overlook the experiences of victims facing persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) in their homes.

With Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week now underway (30 June to 6 July), the Victims’ Commissioner reflects on what must change to better recognise and support victims of persistent anti-social behaviour.

Reform delivers on the Victims’ Commissioner’s long-standing campaign to give victims a voice in cases involving mentally disordered offenders.

“Victims should not bear the burden alone” – Commissioner sounds alarm as key services face closure amid funding cuts despite record Crown Court backlog.

Baroness Newlove has welcomed the announcement of a new national inquiry but stressed that survivors cannot afford further delays. "Victims need answers – and action,” she said, urging urgent delivery of the therapeutic support survivors have long been promised.

The Prime Minister has been warned he is on course to miss his own target of halving violence against women and girls, as vital support services are being “pushed to the brink” by funding cuts and soaring costs.

Government decision to drop Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme review sparks renewed demands for urgent reform from victims, campaigners and MPs.

Baroness Newlove has raised concerns over sentencing reforms proposed in the Gauke Review, warning that "the pace of change feels urgent – as if we are racing against the clock" and that stretched probation services may not be able to cope with increased demands.

Baroness Newlove expresses concern over government plans to reduce the time served in prison by certain recalled offenders, warning that such a decision risks compromising victim safety and eroding confidence in the justice system.