Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Crown Prosecution Service questioned on victims support and the future of policing
The Home Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into policing priorities on Wednesday 1 March when it takes evidence from Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, and representatives of the Crown Prosecution Service and Refuge.
In 2021, the Victims’ Commissioner’s annual survey revealed that less than half of respondents felt they had been treated fairly and with respect by police. 43% also said they would not report a crime to the police again in light of their previous experience. In May 2022, the Government published a draft Victims Bill to strengthen victims’ rights and improve how victims are supported by the criminal justice system, but critics have warned it may need to go further if it is to drive meaningful cultural change.
Meeting details
There are particular concerns around the response to violence against women and girls. Low prosecution rates for rape are compounded by high drop-out rates for victims unable to continue due to lengthy, investigations and court delays. An inspection of the police and Crown Prosecution Service’s response to rape found that there was “a disproportionate focus on victim credibility” and the Information Commissioner’s Officer criticised the “excessive collection of personal information”.
The session examines how the criminal justice system can ensure a high-quality policing response to victims of violence against women and girls that provides the maximum likelihood of accessing justice. It will also look at how this relates to other policing priorities and the resources available to police forces. The committee will also investigate how different parts of the criminal justice system can work together to improve national conviction rates.