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
News
Review into the provision of registered intermediaries for children, vulnerable victims & witnesses
The Victims’ Commissioner is carrying out a review into the provision of registered intermediaries for children and vulnerable victims and witnesses. Registered Intermediaries are provided to children and vulnerable victims through special measures as set out in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. The role is designed to assist vulnerable victims and witnesses … Continued
Victims’ Commissioner Reports That More Needs To Be Done To Support Victims And Calls For A Victim Law
“Whilst much has been achieved in improving services and support for victims, there is still so much more we need to do” the Victims’ Commissioner has today warned. She believes that the time has come for the Government to introduce a Victim Law, providing victims with statutory rights and proper redress if they are not … 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
Victims’ Commissioner responds to Sentencing Council consultation
The Sentencing Council recently ran a public consultation on sentencing guidelines for breaches of court orders. The Sentencing Council set out that guidelines are not currently available for breaches of all types of court order, and there is variation in the format of the guidelines which do exist and in their scope. They decided that … Continued
Victims’ Code is not delivering entitlements for victims
Less than one in five victims is offered the chance to make a Victim Personal Statement for court hearings. The Victims’ Commissioner is today calling on the government to use legislation to strengthen victims’ rights. The right to make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) is a key entitlement in the Victims’ Code. The Code sets … Continued
Baroness Newlove welcomes the government’s plan to review sentencing powers for driving offences
The Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, spoke at a debate in the House of Lords on 15 December about road traffic accidents and the use of mobile phones. Baroness Newlove welcomed the opportunity to debate this important issue and that the Ministry of Justice is reviewing the sentencing powers for the most serious driving offences. During … Continued
Victims’ Commissioner speaks in House of Lords about child sexual abuse in football clubs
On Thursday 15 December the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, delivered a speech to the House of Lords about child sexual abuse. Baroness Newlove participated in a debate that asked the government what action they are taking to respond to the multiple allegations of child sexual abuse within football clubs. Baroness Newlove’ speech is below: “As … Continued
Police need to believe victims when investigating a crime
Victims’ Commissioner said: “Referring to a victim of crime as a ‘complainant’ would be a great step backwards in the treatment of victims and survivors.” The Victims’ Commissioner has today spoken out against Sir Richard Henriques’ report and the portrayal of victims of crime as ‘complainants’. Delivering a speech at South Yorkshire Police and Crime … Continued