News

The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales has warned that criminal justice reform was largely absent from the Prime Minister's vision for the country, despite mounting pressures across prisons, probation, policing, courts and victim services and growing concerns about public safety.

Claire Waxman, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, said changes in policy have fuelled distress and anxiety 'raising a burning question: Is anyone truly in control of this crisis?'

New research from the Victims' Commissioner reveals how victims of road collisions are left in limbo while police decide whether cases will be treated as crimes. Poor communication, lengthy investigations and court delays compound victims' trauma, while too few are referred for the specialist support that can transform their recovery.

The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales has warned that serious failings exposed in the case of serial sex offender and double murderer Simon Levy risk being repeated unless urgent action is taken to strengthen public protection systems.

The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, has responded to the Government's announcement on sentencing reforms and the delay to implementation until October.

Claire Waxman met with the Lord Chancellor, Alex Norris, to discuss the safeguards needed to protect victims and maintain public confidence as the Government reviews planned early prison releases.

Victims' Commissioner: Government has rightly halted prisoner early release scheme and must now provide urgent clarity for victims.

Victims' Commissioner: "As things stand, I do not have confidence that these releases can be managed in a way that fully safeguards victims, protects the public and maintains confidence in the justice system."

As Baroness Newlove’s annual report is published, the Victims’ Commissioner reflects on her legacy - and warns that while victims’ rights have strengthened on paper, urgent action is needed to ensure they are delivered in practice.

As Baroness Newlove's final annual report is published in her memory, the Victims' Commissioner writes to the Deputy Prime Minister calling for urgent action, warning that victims' rights still "exist only on paper" two years on from landmark reforms.