News

In this article – part of a series marking 16 Days of Activism – the Victims’ Commissioner highlights how the backlog of Crown Court cases and other challenges within the criminal justice system are disproportionately impacting rape victims.

Professor Katrin Hohl reflects on the largest survey of rape and sexual assault survivors of police forces in England and Wales.

The Victims' Commissioner has partnered with specialist research agency TONIC to deliver the annual survey.

Halving violence against women and girls is both an urgent and commendable challenge. To drive lasting progress, the government must craft a strategy that is grounded in the real, lived experiences of victims — who demand profound and meaningful change.

The Victims' Commissioner has welcomed the announcement of new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces but questioned how these will address the persistent and targeted anti-social behaviour that typically occurs in residential communities.

For the ASB Case Review to be a force for good, victims of anti-social behaviour need and deserve a seat at the table — an opportunity to describe the impact of their ordeal and for authorities to really listen.

“This International Men’s Day feels like an opportune moment to amplify these calls, but my commitment to this cause is not confined to any single day,” writes Baroness Newlove.

It pains me that, 17 years after Garry's death, I still meet victims of persistent anti-social behaviour who are having the same experiences we had.

The Victims' Commissioner called for the Home Office to announce continued funding for Operation Soteria, which runs out in March 2025.

The Justice Secretary has extended the Victims’ Commissioner’s term, ensuring Baroness Newlove will remain in post through to December 2025.