Extra help plan for disaster victims
Learning lessons from Hillsborough
STRATEGY: The Justice Minister has says he hopes to ensure the experience of Hillsborough families is not repeated as the Government looks at giving extra support to the victims of disasters.
THE JUSTICE Minister has said that he hopes to ensure the “painful experience” of the Hillsborough families is not repeated as the Government looks at how to give extra support to the victims of major disasters.
Under plans unveiled in its first cross-department Victims Strategy, a post of Independent Public Advocate would be created to champion victims’ rights.
The strategy also seeks to ensure bereaved families are guided through an investigative process so their voices can be heard at inquests, and directed to appropriate support services.
It follows criticism of the handling of victims of the Grenfell Tower fire last year and a damning report into the experience of relatives of the 96 Hillsborough disaster victims.
The Ministry of Justice today announced a public consultation on its proposals, which will run from now until December.
In a foreword to the consultation, Justice Minister Edward Argar wrote: “It is clear there remain serious concerns about how far the voices of the bereaved are heard, and how far they are supported in fully understanding and participating in the investigatory process.
“An Independent Public Advocate will help to address these concerns. I am determined that we should never again see families struggling, as we did in the many years that followed Hillsborough, against the very system that was supposed to deliver answers – and, ultimately, justice.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said the strategy, which aims to “overhaul” support for victims of crime, showed the Government was taking steps to “enshrine” the rights of victims in the law for the first time.
She said: “Nothing can take away the distress and trauma of being a victim of crime, but ensuring people get the support they need as they rebuild their lives is vital.
“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. The duty of a government is to keep people safe, but it is not enough to simply bring offenders to court.
“Victims need to know they are protected and listened to, and we will continue to work with charities and support groups to improve their experience.”
Justice Secretary David Gauke added: “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.”
He said the strategy addressed the changing nature of crime as well as setting out the kind of support victims should receive at every stage of their journey through the justice system – from providing statements to police, appearing in court or in front of the Parole Board, and every step in between.