England: Victims’ Commissioner to receive new powers

David Gauke

The powers of the Victims’ Commissioner are to be strengthened and a consultation will be launched on a new law to underpin the Victims’ Code, Justice Secretary David Gauke has announced.

Launching the new “Victims Strategy”, Mr Gauke said: “Many of us will be lucky enough to not have to encounter the justice system as a victim of crime - but those who do must not also become a victim of the process.

“We will enshrine victims’ entitlements in law by beginning a consultation early next year, and otherwise seek to boost the Victims’ Code.”

The strategy sets out how the government will:

• Consult on the establishment of an Independent Public Advocate (IPA) to help bereaved families following a disaster. They will help guide families throughout an investigative process, ensuring their voices are heard at inquests, and that they are directed to appropriate support services.
• Review the entire Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) so it reflects the changing nature of crime - particularly around applications relating to child sexual abuse and terrorism.
• Improve communication and support for victims during the parole process. The government aims to simplify the Victim Contact Scheme and improve the quality of communication; allow Victim Personal Statements at parole hearings; and roll out revised training for Victim Liaison Officers.

Baroness Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, said: “This is a timely focus on the needs and rights of victims, and is a major step forward towards ensuring they receive the care, support and justice they deserve.

“Victims consistently tell me that they feel their status in the criminal justice system is not comparable with that of the offender. As Victims’ Commissioner I have long been calling for a victims law to ensure that the rights of victims are central to the delivery of our justice system.

“I welcome this Victims’ Strategy which brings us a step closer to seeing a Victims Law on the statute books. Such a law will mean that no victim in the future will have to fight for the support they’re entitled to.

“I will continue to push government to ensure that victims whose lives may be devastatingly transformed by the crime committed against them, are afforded the rights they so justly deserve.”