Do London’s victims of crime receive enough support?

Being a victim of crime can have a lasting impact, yet evidence shows that victims continue to be dissatisfied with support provided to them by various criminal justice agencies [1]. Sanction detection rates also impact on satisfaction rates and these have declined in London since 2015 [2].

Demand for support services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in London remains high. Reduced funding and staff burnout amid the pandemic have resulted in support services being overstretched.

Victims then face lengthy delays for justice due to a backlog of criminal cases in the courts exacerbated by the pandemic. For rape and sexual offences, the longer it takes for a case to be heard, the more likely it is that complainants and witnesses will withdraw from proceedings.

The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet tomorrow to examine the services available to victims in London and the support they receive, including the role and progress of London’s first Victims’ Commissioner.

The guests are:

• Claire Waxman OBE, London Victims' Commissioner
• Commander Sue Williams, Criminal Justice Lead, Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
• Chief Inspector David Hobson-Smith, Deputy Lead Responsible Officer for Victim Care Improvement, MPS
• Kris Venkatasami, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor – London South, Crown Prosecution Service
• John Poynton, Chief Executive Officer, Redthread
• Rachel Nicholas, Head of Service – London Domestic Abuse Services, Victim Support

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 2 February from 10am, in Rooms G02 – G03 – G04, LFB Headquarters, 169 Union Street, London, SE1 0LL.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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