‘MORE MUST BE DONE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME’ - DAVEY

Local MP, Edward Davey, this week helped launch Liberal Democrat policies on supporting victims and tackling hate crimes. After meeting local victim support groups, Mr Davey has taken a keen interest in this issue to make sure victims’ concerns are reflected in law and order policies.

The Lib Dems proposals include:

Allowing victims to make statements in court on the how crime has personally affected them.
It would increase the opportunity for victims to participate in criminal proceedings. After a conviction has been established victims, particularly in serious cases, would be allowed to make a statement to the court.

Further reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Liberal Democrats welcome the review of the scheme and the recently announced changes but would seek to ensure the most serious cases are appropriately awarded. We are disappointed that the Government does not appear to intend to raise the standard award in fatal cases.

Tackling hate crimes.
Liberal Democrats are determined to tackle so called hate crimes. We welcomed the introduction in 1998 of additional sentencing powers for racially motivated crime. Liberal Democrats would extend those powers to all hate crimes, including those based on religion or sexuality.

Restorative Justice and reparation to victims.
Liberal Democrats are committed to reform of the criminal justice system so that offenders face up to the consequences of their crimes and the needs of victims are acknowledged. As part of this approach and our policy on prison reform we would include reparation to victims’ organisations as part of our reform of prison work and wages.

Speaking today Mr Davey said:

"Victims of crime have been neglected by our criminal justice system for too long. My meeting with local groups and victims of crime show that much more still needs to be done.

"Victims must be listened to in court and not made to feel like helpless spectators in cases. This is not to create a system of victim-led punishment, but to ensure that victims have a proper voice.

"Hate crimes, based simply on someone's personal identity, are particularly abhorrent. By strengthening the criminal justice response to hate crimes, a clear message will be sent out.

"Domestic violence is a widespread and serious social problem. We would strengthen current partnerships and policing initiatives to tackle domestic violence."

News releases

Articles in the Informer

Campaigns