Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on victimscommissioner.org.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

News

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

Filters

173 news articles

Victims’ Commissioner responds to Home Office figures showing just 1.5% of rape cases result in a prosecution

Published:
"Things must change and they must change soon." Dame Vera Baird calls latest rape statistics “shameful” and says “we cannot go on like this".

Commissioners issue joint call for community-based support services in Domestic Abuse Bill

Published:
In a joint statement, the Commissioners write that without the amendment the Domestic Abuse Bill "risks creating a two-tier system" leaving victims without appropriate support.

Victims’ Commissioner responds to the announcement of £40m to support services for rape and domestic abuse survivors

Published:
Dame Vera Baird welcomes renewed investment in ISVAs and IDVAs but stresses the need for long-term, sustainable funding for the sector.

Quarterly CPS statistics show a further drop in rape charges despite police referring more cases

Published:
Dame Vera Baird says this "continues the disastrous downward trajectory of CPS charging in rape, which started in 2017 and continues to this day."

Victims’ Commissioner seeks new Chief Executive Officer

Published:
Applications are open for the role of CEO of the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner. Closing date 5 February 2021.

Commissioner welcomes ‘Ask For ANI’ codeword scheme launched in pharmacies

Published:
"It is incredibly important that victims and survivors know there are safe spaces and lifelines within their own communities," says Dame Vera Baird, as she welcomes the launch of the codeword scheme.

Police to implement strict bail conditions on domestic abuse and sexual violence suspects under new measures

Published:
Victims’ Commissioner welcomes “welcome and clear-sighted move” by Home Secretary to reverse and end the presumption against bail, which “was a misconceived move” and “bad for victims.”

GPs charging domestic abuse victims up to £150 to confirm injuries

Published:
Dame Vera Baird said it was "incredibly frustrating and disappointing" to find GPs were still charging. "This fee must be abolished – it’s as simple as that."

Commissioner “strongly urges” Home Office to reconsider move to remove references to ‘honour’ in incidents of so-called honour-based abuse

Published:
The Victims' Commissioner fears the move from the Home Office set back work in the field and further hide the issue, which is already hidden, mis-identified, and under-detected.

Commissioners endorse non-fatal strangulation amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill

Published:
The Victims' Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner voice their support for Baroness Newlove's amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill, which would create an offence of strangulation or asphyxiation.