Victims of crime to get more support

Tuesday, 22 July 2003 12:00 AM

The Government has devised a strategy to give victims of crime more support following the publication of a report that highlights inconsistencies in support across the England and Wales.

A report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Probation, Professor Rod Morgan, found that progress had been made in victim contact work and he praised the way in which victims of violent or sexual offences were informed about the release arrangements for offenders.

However, Professor Morgan was concerned by a lack of consistency across the probation areas, with not all areas following the recommended good practice.

Professor Morgan stated, "Although the Inspectorate found a lot of very good work taking place with victims, many issues still remain to be addressed. Work with victims varied both within and between probation areas. The take-up rate for actual contact fluctuated considerably, with few areas achieving a face-to-face meeting in half of the cases."

The Home Secretary, David Blunkett announced proposals to extend the 'restorative justice' scheme, which sees victims meet the perpetraitor of the crime. The proposals will be part of a Victims Bill that the Government plans to put before Parliament in the autumn.

Mr Blunkett hopes that the Government's proposals would put victims of crime at the 'heart of the criminal justice system'.

The strategy, which will be put out for consultation, proposes the statutory underpinning of rights for victims and witnesses to services from criminal justice agencies; the broadening out to cover Government services outside criminal justice, such as health and housing; and proposals to make it easier for intimidated victims and witnesses to get help with moving house when needed.

The strategy also suggests the creation of a Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses and a new way of funding victim support and witness groups.

Mr Blunkett stated, "Being a victim of crime can be a harrowing and traumatic experience and the way in which the criminal justice system responds has a profound effect on victims. For too long, the needs of victims and witnesses have been overlooked in the criminal justice system. It is time for that to change."

Victim Support, the national charity that supports the victims of crime, has welcomed the measures.

Dame Helen Reeves DBE, Chief Executive of Victim Support, commented, "We are delighted to see so many of our proposals for victim and witness rights and services adopted in the government's new strategy. This is a time of great change for victims and witnesses, and indeed our charity. We remain committed to our core aims for meeting the needs of victims and witnesses, and to continue working closely with government to ensure that services and rights for victims and witnesses continue to grow, develop and improve."

However, the charity expressed concern about the changes to the funding arrangements for support services.

Victim Support stated that the proposed move to localised funding for services to witnesses (and in due course victims) through the Local Criminal Justice Boards would be a major change and would present challenges. The charity claimed that although many of the details still need to be ironed-out, it is committed to working closely with the government during the piloting of the new approach.

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