Category: Statement
£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.
Statement on Baroness Casey’s audit of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse
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.
Statement from the Victims’ Commissioner on the publication of the Gauke Review
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.
Victims’ Commissioner raises concerns over early release changes for recalled offenders
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.
Victim attrition falls, but progress is “fragile” amid uncertainty over support services funding
The Commissioner attributes the fall in victim attrition to the ongoing efforts of frontline support services – but warns future progress is at risk amid funding pressures.
Victim compensation scheme: long-overdue wholesale review abandoned by government – Victims’ Commissioner disappointed
The Victims' Commissioner comments on the government's response to and update about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.