News

A woman’s place is in the House (of Lords)


By Baroness Helen Newlove Happy International Women’s Day! 2018 celebrates 100 years since the first women won the vote, and along the way, there have been many milestones. For the first time ever, the UK has both a female Prime Minister and a female Home Secretary, with three women heading up our emergency services – … Continued

Parole process review – your chance to be heard


The Government has announced a review, looking at: How victims are engaged and involved in the parole process Whether the arrangements for keeping victims informed at all key stages of the parole process are working The opennness of the parole process and parole decisions Whether there should be the opportunity for Parole Board decisions to … Continued

A Voice for the Voiceless


Today the Victims’ Commissioner published her review into the provision of Registered Intermediaries for children and vulnerable victims and witnesses. Registered Intermediaries (RIs) are specialists in communication, provided to children and vulnerable victims to enable them to have a voice in the criminal justice system. This review considers the operation of the Witness Intermediary Scheme … Continued

Victims’ Commissioner Launches First Newsletter


Today, the Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove welcomes the first edition of her revamped digital newsletter VC News which promotes the issues she champions on behalf of victims. VC News is aimed at victims, practitioners and agencies that support victims and witnesses. It will cover the priority issues that concern the Commissioner as well as shine a light on good … Continued

Victims’ Commissioner calls for new Victims’ Law


The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, is calling for a ‘Victims’ Law’ that guarantees victims legal ‘rights’ within the criminal justice system, stating that there must be a “seismic change” in the culture of the justice system. In her speech, Lady Newlove will say: “I am calling for a ‘Victim Law’ to … Continued

Victims’ Commissioner Finds That Measuring And Monitoring Victim Satisfaction Gives Victims A Voice And Helps The Police Deliver Better Victim Services


A review undertaken by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has found that feedback collected by the police in respect of the support they provide to victims of crime is important; it is used to improve services given to victims by police forces. Baroness Newlove says: “I have always placed great importance … Continued

Victims’ Commissioner speaks at Revenge Pornography conference


Wednesday 22 March marked the two-year anniversary for new revenge pornography laws. To commemorate the anniversary, Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove spoke at the Public Policy Exchange event in London. Her speech is below, this is a check against delivery version.   Many victims of crime will experience offending behaviour typically associated with Revenge Pornography, and … Continued

Criminal justice agencies at risk of failing young victims of crime


Criminal justice agencies are at risk of failing children and young people who come forward to report crimes because they are not being taken seriously, Victims’ Commissioner has today warned. Publishing her review into the treatment of children and young victims of crime by criminal justice agencies, the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove was disgusted to … Continued