Election Manifesto

Rebalancing the system: meeting the needs of victims and witnesses in London

Whenever the next General Election happens, crime looks set to be top of the agenda. Yet whilst tackling crime and its causes will no doubt be hotly debated topics over the coming weeks, what discussions can we expect to hear about its effects? What pledges will there be for those who live with the aftermath of crime?

There are two key challenges during the next term:

• rebalancing the system to ensure victims and witnesses receive an effective service from the criminal justice system (CJS)
• going beyond criminal justice to develop appropriate services in the community for anyone who has been affected by crime.

The needs of victims and witnesses cannot be met by the criminal justice system alone. It is the responsibility of society as a whole to ensure that those who have been affected by crime can access the help and support they need. This includes the voluntary and community sector, housing, health and social services.

Election briefing summary 2005
Full election briefing 2005