"We must do far more to support the victims of crime"

17.06.04

Local MP praises work of volunteers of Kingston's Victim Support Group

Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey will be the guest speaker at the Annual General Meeting of Victim Support Kingston on Thursday evening when he will strongly back their work and call for more Government backing for the victims of crime. The event, which will be taking place in the Town House at Kingston University, is the twentieth AGM of the Kingston branch of Victim Support.

Edward Davey MP will argue that the fight against criminals should be a top priority, but must always be coupled with help and support for the victims of crime too.

"Far too often the victims of crime are forgotten when we debate law and order. Far too often, victims of crime are forgotten by the system of justice.

"Whether it's the failure to keep victims informed of what's happening before, during and after a trial, or whether it's the failure of the Criminal Justice Boards to pay out the compensation owed to victims.

"I would like to congratulate Victim Support Kingston for playing their part in fighting for the rights of victims. For 20 years, Victim Support Kingston has done hugely valuable work in our community.

"While many crimes are being effectively tackled, we did see a small rise in crime in Kingston last year. So we have to re-double our efforts to win more police to fight the criminals, and more support to assist the victims.

"My presence at the Victim Support AGM tonight will be to acknowledge that crime is a real issue in Kingston, but that through collaboration with local organisations such as this we will fight it all the way."

For more information visit:

Kingston Police

Victim Support Kingston