Category: Statement
HMICFRS report: Progress on crime recording but lack of consistency harming victims, warns Baroness Newlove
The Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, has responded to a new report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on police crime recording. She warned that while overall standards have improved, progress remains too uneven, leaving certain victims and crime types overlooked.
‘Honour’-based abuse: Statutory definition a ‘welcome’ and ‘crucial’ step
The Victims' Commissioner welcomes plans to introduce a statutory definition of so-called honour-based abuse, alongside a number of additional measures set to improve the response to what Baroness Newlove describes as a 'devastating crime'.
ONS data: Victims’ Commissioner concerned as victims’ trust in policing continues to erode
The Victims’ Commissioner has raised serious concerns about declining levels of victim confidence in the police and wider justice system, following the release of the latest ONS crime survey data.
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes plans for new ‘restriction zones’, shifting focus from the victim to the offender
The Victims' Commissioner responds to government plans to introduce 'restriction zones' for certain offenders.
Victims’ Commissioner backs Law Commission’s call for major courtroom reforms in rape cases
Proposed measures include introducing legal advice and representation for complainants, reform of rules of evidence to address myths and misconceptions about sexual violence, and specialist sexual offences courts.
£53m for domestic abuse perpetrators welcomed – but calls grow for action on victim services
“While prevention is important, it is only one part of the puzzle,” says Baroness Newlove, as she reiterates calls for the forthcoming government strategy to prioritise specialist victim services, including those for victims of sexual violence.
Domestic Homicide Review report highlights urgent need to turn learnings into action – Victims Commissioner
Welcoming a new report by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, the Victims' Commissioner joins the DA Commissioner's calls for a robust oversight mechanism, saying that we owe it to victims and their families to turn learning into action.
Leveson review welcomed, but victims still face years of delays
“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.
Victims given a voice in Mental Health Tribunal hearings as new reform comes into force
Reform delivers on the Victims’ Commissioner’s long-standing campaign to give victims a voice in cases involving mentally disordered offenders.
Yet another grim milestone as Crown Court backlog reaches unprecedented levels
“Victims should not bear the burden alone” – Commissioner sounds alarm as key services face closure amid funding cuts despite record Crown Court backlog.