crime victims

Analysis of external consultation on, and the Scottish Executive’s response to ‘Reducing the Risk : improving the response to sex offending’, the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending

This report analyses the responses to a consultation on the report ‘Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to Sex Offending’ by the Expert Panel on Sex Offending. It also sets out the Executive’s response to the Expert Panel’s report.

Together we can end violence against women and girls: a consultation paper

Government consultation document intended to raise awareness and generate discussion one what more could be done to end violence against women and girls. The Consultations aims are: to recognise the contribution organisations have made to success in reducing violence against women and girls and supporting victims; raise awareness of the scale and nature of violence against women and girls; generate national debate to identify what would make women and girls feel and be safer; and to test policy proposals and ideas designed to help prevent violence against women and girls.

Will the Victim Statement scheme secure greater participation for victims in the criminal justice process?

Paper describing the Victim Statement (VS) scheme which was piloted in Ayr, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock between 2003 and 2005.

The scheme aimed to allow crime victims to make a statement about the impact of the offence on their lives once a decision to prosecute had been taken.

The paper also examines the practicalities of implementing the scheme more widely.

Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings: guidance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children: volume 1

The Government is committed to improving the protection during the criminal justice process for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children. This document is issued as part of ‘Action for Justice’, the implementation programme for the ‘Speaking Up for Justice’ report. Following the report, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 set out a range of special measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings.

Statistics on women and the criminal justice system: a Ministry of Justice publication under section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991

These statistics have been gathered together from various official and non-government sources to paint a picture of the treatment and experiences of women within the Criminal Justice System.

This includes women in their roles as offenders, victims of crime, suspects and as employees/practitioners within criminal justice agencies. Under section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 it is the duty of the Secretary of State [for Justice] to publish this information in an effort to avoid discrimination of any kind and at any stage within the system.

National domestic violence delivery plan: annual progress report 2008-09

The Home Office presents an annual report about domestic violence, where statistics show that a big number of the victims have been victimised three or more times.

However a raising awareness about this type of violence within a range of practitioners and the increase of appropriate training and tools are becoming the keys to an early identification and intervention.