Make sure victim task force is for the victims Dad of Shaun welcomes new scheme but warns it must help families
THE dad of tragic Shaun Woodburn has warned that a crime victims’ task force will not work unless it directly involves their families.
Kevin Woodburn said he was pleased to hear Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf had announced the move to help people dealing with the legal system.
But the Scottish Government said the task force will include senior figures from justice agencies and their voluntary sector partners.
Kevin said: “I’m pleased to hear Humza will establish a task force but this cannot be made up of only people from the legal establishment. That totally defeats the purpose.
“They need people who have real experience of the legal system from a victims’ perspective.”
Yousaf announced the task force at the SNP conference in Glasgow.
He said it is to help improve the criminal justice system from a victims’ point of view.
Kevin has been campaigning for changes to the law since his son’s killer was caged for four years for culpable homicide.
Shaun was killed after a street brawl in Leith, Edinburgh, in the early hours of 2017. The 30-year-old had been out on Hogmanay when he was punched by Mohammed Ibnomer, who was 16, and suffered head injuries.
Kevin added: “Changes need to be made urgently to the way families are treated and there is nobody better placed to discuss those changes than people going through it.”
He added: “It is a positive step forward and Humza appears to be listening. I will look forward to discussing the task force and other issues when we meet.”
The government said families will not be involved directly but the task force will take evidence from victims and victims’ relatives.
Yousaf said: “The impact of crime can be long-lasting and traumatic. Significant progress has been made in recent years to enhance victims’ rights and provide funding for appropriate support. “However, we must go further to ensure the justice system does not exacerbate further trauma and stress. “This task force will accelerate progress by keeping up momentum and ensuring accountability, focusing on the improvements that matter most to victims and working together to break down barriers to change.” During a Twitter exchange, Kevin said he was pleased about the task force. Yousaf replied: “Thanks Kevin. I know how important Shaun’s legacy is for you and your family. Would be my pleasure to meet and discuss how the Victims’ Task Force can meet you and your family’s expectations.”
Shaun’s family have secured a review of post-mortem procedures. They want a change to procedures where there can be numerous pathology examinations, prolonging the grief of families.
Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale, who will join Shaun’s family at the meeting, said: “The new task force is a very welcome step but it doesn’t go far enough.
“Rather than just have a task force that will report to ministers, we need a victims’ commissioner who will directly engage with and listen to victims’ views.”
They need people with real experience of the legal system KEVIN WOODBURN ON THE NEW TASK FORCE