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Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses overlooked for legal protections while giving evidence
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.
Record number of people – including 43 per cent of rape victims – pulling out of cases
"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
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.
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
“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
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
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”
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
"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
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".