News

Grant bereaved families automatic non means-tested funding for legal representation following state related deaths, says Victims' Commissioner.

Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses still put at risk of coming face-to-face with perpetrators and not receiving the support they need to prevent courtroom intimidation.

"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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

"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."