The report, which brings together official Government data and new Victim Support survey findings, shows that victims are only kept updated about what’s happening in their case to a satisfactory level in around half of all reported cases.
Under the Victim’s Code of Practice, victims of crime must be updated at least monthly about progress in cases being actively investigated up until their closure.
Victims must also be told about key events in their case, such as the arrest, bail, charge, summons and remand details.
The report draws on a recent Victim Support survey of over 1,000 victims, which found that in around a third of reported incidents the victim hears nothing more from the authorities after reporting the crime.
Importantly, the report shows that where victims are kept very well informed by the police service, nearly all respondents (96%) were satisfied with the way in which their case was handled.
The research findings also highlight a strong association between receiving information and being more likely to report a crime again (43% of victims are more likely to report if they’ve received information support), come forward as a witness (33% more likely), help with community safety initiatives (30% more likely) and participate in restorative justice (31% more likely).
Kept in the dark by the criminal justice system
Commenting on these findings Javed Khan, the CEO of Victim Support, said: “Time and again, victims tell us that they’ve been kept in the dark by the criminal justice system. Lack of contact and information about their case can make them feel uncertain and isolated, and worsen the distress caused by the crime itself. This not only erodes a victim’s confidence in the justice system but, as our report suggests, makes it less likely that they’ll report crime again.”
Victim Support’s leader went on to add: “The police and criminal justice agencies are working hard to bring crime down, but keeping victims informed isn’t an added extra and should be central to the justice system. Justice agencies need to work harder in meeting the Victim’s Code by keeping victims regularly updated on the progress of their case in an understandable way.”
The report recommends that:
- victims need to be updated regularly on the progress of their case with information that’s understandable, comprehensive and accurate
- victims should be treated like any other public service user: the police should look to use innovative and cost-effective solutions to widen victims’ choices and adapt their contact arrangements to victims’ needs
- justice agencies must tailor information to the need so that those victims who want information receive it in a timely way and a format that’s right for them
- victims’ right to information needs to have greater legal force
- the foundation of any improvement needs to be greater awareness among frontline criminal justice staff of their role in providing victim care
- there needs to be an accurate, consistent and reliable way of measuring compliance and progress
Download a copy of Left in the Dark
Victim Support backs restorative justice register
Victim Support is backing the launch of the Restorative Justice Council’s (RJC) new national register of restorative practitioners: the first of its kind to be launched on an international basis.
Restorative justice affords victims the chance to receive an apology and an explanation, and for offenders to face up to the reality of what they have done and repair the harm they’ve caused.
The new register provides quality assurance for victims that they are being offered a safe and effective restorative justice service.
Javed Khan spoke at the register’s official launch. He said: “It’s vital that, in our fight against crime, we provide services that both punish and reform offenders. Restorative justice is a distinct process that addresses the harm caused by the crime as well as cutting the likelihood of re-offending.”
He continued: “The new register means that victims will be able to find out whether they are receiving a quality restorative justice service. This is so important because victims need to feel reassured that they will not be re-victimised and feel confident that the criminal justice system is working well for them. Ultimately, the register will give peace of mind.”
In conclusion, Khan stated: “This is an exciting development in the field of restorative practice. We hope that the RJC Register will become a hub of expertise where there is ample opportunity for the sharing of knowledge and good practice.”
The online register is open to the public and features restorative practitioners who have signed up to the RJC’s Practitioner Code of Practice. Individuals who have experienced poor restorative practice by an accredited practitioner will also have the right to complain to the RJC.
All qualified practitioners listed by register
Funded by the Ministry of Justice and implemented by the RJC, the register lists all qualified practitioners of restorative justice.
Justice minister Crispin Blunt said: “Restorative justice demands criminals take an active role in acknowledging the harm they have caused, as well as making amends.”
The minister continued: “The register will encourage the increased use of restorative justice by making it quicker and easier to find a local practitioner, as well as acting as the first-ever benchmark of quality and professionalism that ensures victims are safeguarded.”
Already used in England and Wales, restorative justice empowers victims and communities to overcome the negative impact of crime, with 85% of victims who have taken part reporting a positive experience.
Reformed offender Scott, for example, said: “When I heard about the pain I caused I couldn’t understand why I did it, and I felt sick hearing that. I can’t do burglaries now, because I keep hearing Michelle’s words in my head and it stops me doing it.”
For more information on the Register, visit the Restorative Justice Council website
Crime-fighting charity welcomes Community or Custody report
Victim Support has welcomed publication of the Community or Custody: which works best? report by the campaign Make Justice Work.
The report is the culmination of a national enquiry by a panel of independent experts including Victim Support’s CEO Javed Khan.
The panel assessed whether rigorous community sentences can be more effective than short term prison terms in stopping persistent, low-level offending.
Key findings contained in the report include the need for community sentences to be robust enough to give the public and victims confidence in them as alternatives to custody.
The report also finds that community sentences can be cheaper, tougher and more effective than prison for persistent low-level offenders. However, in order to reduce reoffending and reduce costs certain standards must be met.
Speaking alongside other panel members at the report’s launch in Parliament, Khan stressed: “Victims want punishment that works to stop reoffending,” and that: “We need to invest in robust and effective alternatives to custody so that victims and the public can have confidence in community sentencing.”
Led by Peter Oborne, broadcaster and chief political commentator at The Daily Telegraph, the panel also included Dame Anne Owers (former Chief Inspector of Prisons), Lord Blair (former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service), Paul McDowell (CEO, NACRO), Roma Hooper (director, Make Justice Work) and John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates Association.