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News

News stories older than October 2020 can be viewed on the National Archive.

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173 news articles

Record number of people – including 43 per cent of rape victims – pulling out of cases

Published:
"It’s clear that this trajectory is no good for anyone and this cannot carry on – we must get to the bottom of this," says Commissioner.

Victims’ Commissioner announces new CEO

Published:
Katie Kempen will take up post as Chief Executive Officer at the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner from June 2021

BLOG: The new domestic abuse law is a much-improved piece of legislation that will save lives. But we can – and must – go further.

Published:
As the Domestic Abuse Bill finally receives Royal Assent, the Victims' Commissioner congratulates campaigners and the government in her latest blog.

Victims’ Commissioner calls for “major course adjustment” from CPS, as new figures reveal rape prosecutions remain flat

Published:
“Far too few rape cases are resulting in a charge and hundreds of complainants annually are being denied justice," says Dame Vera Baird.

Video: Putting victims at the heart of policing

Published:
The Victims’ Commissioner tells the College of Policing what the new Victims' Code means for police staff and officers.

BLOG: We have the chance to ensure victims’ rights are clearly upheld in law

Published:
The Victims' Commissioner welcomes the commitment to consult on new victims' legislation and says "the clock is ticking" for all criminal justice agencies to deliver on the rights in the new Victims’ Code.

New Victims’ Code comes into force – “a positive step forward for victims”

Published:
The Victims' Commissioner welcomes the government commitment to consult on a Victims Law as she announces new research looking into victims' recent experience of the Code.

ONS survey reveals just one in six female rape victims report to the police

Published:
"In a damning sign of a lack of faith in our criminal justice system, 1 in 4 say they did not think they would be believed if they did report and 39% believe the police could not help in any case."

Victims’ Commissioner responds to the Court of Appeal judgement

Published:
Dame Vera Baird responds to the judgement in the judicial review of the prosecution of rape and serious sexual offences and calls for the government's end-to-end rape review to now deliver "deep and meaningful change".

Ministry of Justice to review laws that see domestic abuse victims get ‘disproportionately high’ sentences for acting in self-defence

Published:
Dame Vera Baird and Nicole Jacobs welcome moves by the Lord Chancellor to review sentencing for women who use weapons in self-defence against their abusers