News

Victims’ Commissioner publishes new paper setting out her ambitions for long-awaited Victims’ Law and calls for criminal justice agencies to be more accountable and for victims to be accorded “participants’ rights".

Dame Vera Baird welcomes the plans, which outlines proposals to undertake an inspection of the service received by victims and witnesses throughout the court process.

The Home Office Minister has responded to the Victims’ Commissioner’s letter regarding police recording of hate crimes.

"A Victims’ Law has been long awaited and is now long overdue," says Dame Vera. "If we are to regain the trust of victims, we urgently need a change of culture in how the justice system treats them."

Although there has been little coverage in the press, we know there has been a surge in anti-social behaviour over the past 9 months.

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

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.

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

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

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