Victory for the victims at last
May pledges to ‘enshrine’ their rights in the law
THERESA May is taking action to introduce a bill of rights to protect the victims of crime.
In a victory for the Mirror’s Victims’ Law campaign, Mrs May will today announce the Victims Strategy, with legislation expected to follow next year after the consultation process.
Mrs May said: “How we support victims is fundamental to a caring society, and in recognition of that we are taking steps to enshrine their rights in law for the very first time.
“Victims need to know they are protected and listened to.”
Campaigners want the law to give victims legal rights to be heard, to be informed and to challenge decisions. It is also expected to establish an Independent Public Advocate for victims of public disasters and will enshrine victims’ entitlements in law.
The consultation follows the failings highlighted by the John Worboys scandal, when the black cab rapist’s victims were kept in the dark about his planned release after 10 years.
Harry Fletcher, of the Victims’ Rights Campaign, who spearheaded the drive with Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts, said: “I welcome the victims’ consultation following the Mirror campaign.
“There is a need for an advocate for all victims of serious traumatic crime to guide them through the impenetrable justice system.”
Ms Saville Roberts said: “It is essential victims are given real rights.”
Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove, whose husband Garry was murdered in 2007, said it was “a major step forward”. She said: “Victims consistently tell me they feel their status in the criminal justice system is not comparable with that of the offender.”
Nadine Marshall, whose son Connor, 18, was killed by a man on probation in 2015, said: “I cautiously welcome the announcement but we need details. We have been promised reviews before.”
Liliya Breha, 31, whose son Alex, five, was murdered by her partner, said: “At the moment it’s all about the offender and their rights and support rather than the victims.”
FOR too long victims have been an afterthought when it comes to justice.
So it is welcome that the Government is bringing in a bill of rights to protect those who have suffered as a result of a crime.
The move marks a victory for the Mirror’s campaign for a victims’ law.
We have been calling for the voices of victims to be heard when it comes to sentencing and parole.
For the first time, this should now happen.