London's Victims' Commissioner

The London Stalking Review 2024

In 2022, Claire called for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to undertake the first ever dedicated research into the Metropolitan Police Service's response to stalking.

The resulting report from the Evidence and Insight team in MOPAC is a comprehensive review of the response to stalking victims in London and makes a number of stark findings in relation to both victims’ experiences and the response they receive from the justice system.

Alongside this research, Claire has published the London Stalking Review, which includes her reflections and recommendations, calling for urgent reform on how the criminal justice system responds to stalking. 

The London Stalking Review 2024 - MOPAC Research

The London Stalking Review 2024 - Reflections and Recommendations from the Victims' Commissioner

The London Rape Review 2021

In December 2021, new research was published providing an in-depth review exploring issues facing those who report rape and insight into requests for phones and digital material. 

The review was conducted by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and looked at 450 allegations of rape made across London, alongside consultation from Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) – who offer support and advocacy to rape victims – and a survey of rape victims in London.

Alongside the review, Claire has published her reflections and recommendations arising from the new findings. Claire has called for increased support for all rape victims right from the very start of reporting and the onset of an investigation; major improvements to the police process of requesting, searching and returning a victim’s mobile phone; and for Police and CPS to urgently embed an ‘offender-centric’ approach and tackle the rape myths and victims blaming that, sadly, remain endemic.

The London Rape Review 2021 - MOPAC research

The London Rape Review 2021 - Reflections and Recommendations from the Victims' Commissioner

The London Rape Review 2019

In July 2019, the London Rape Review, conducted by MOPAC and the University of West London was published. The report looks at 501 allegations of rape reported in London in April 2016, providing the clearest picture to date of reported rape in the capital and the reasons why so few cases result in conviction.

Alongside this research, Claire published her reflections and recommendations from the findings, calling for a drastic overhaul to the way rape victims are treated in the criminal justice process. Claire calls on criminal justice partners to drastically improve the treatment and support that rape victims receive across the board, to ensure they have better access to fairer justice and support and are not forced to choose between rights to privacy or access to much needed therapy in lieu of justice.

The London Rape Review - MOPAC/UWL Research

The London Rape Review - Reflections and Recommendations

Review of Compliance with the Victims' Code of Practice

In 2017, Claire set out her intention to conduct a comprehensive review across all London’s criminal justice agencies to determine compliance with the Victims Code of Practice. The Code sets out the minimum standards of service a victim of crime can expect from all Criminal Justice agencies such as police and CPS. 

Her Review, the result of consultation with thousands of victims, hundreds of hours of interviews and a series of in-depth focus groups with practitioners, was published in March 2019. 

MOPAC has subsequently responded to the report and its recommendations.

Amendment NC103 to the Criminal Justice Bill

Claire has written to the Lord Chancellor regarding amendment NC103 to the Criminal Justice Bill, which relates to removing parental responsibility of child sex offenders. In her letter, Claire raises concerns about the drafting of the amendment and the potential for increased risks to victims.

Claire Waxman responded to a number of key Government consultations in her role as London’s Victims’ Commissioner, many of which have seen the inclusion of key policy changes which she campaigned for. These consultations include:  

Requests for Victim Information: draft Code of Practice

In July 2025, Claire responded to a Government consultation on the draft Code of Practice on requests for victim information. The proposed Code of Practice accompanies the newly introduced statutory duties in the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act 2022. These duties create a framework that ensures police requests for a victim’s third party material are made in a manner that is necessary, proportionate, and sensitive to the privacy of victims

The Victims’ Code of Practice (VCoP)  

The Victims’ Code of Practice applies to all criminal justice agencies, and sets out what each agency must do for victims and the timeframe in which they must do it. The Code provides victims with a number of key rights, and in 2020 the Government drastically revised and updated this Code. Read Claire’s response to this consultation.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS)

The CICS allows victims of violent crime to apply for compensation, aiming to recognise the harm experienced by victims, including physical and sexual assault as well as domestic terrorist attacks. In 2020, the Government undertook a review into the scheme (the first since 2012) and suggested a number of key changes. Read Claire's response to this consultation. 

Attorney General’s guidelines on disclosure

These guidelines are issued by the Attorney General for investigators, prosecutors and defence practitioners on the application of the disclosure regime contained in the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA). The disclosure process is incredibly important, especially in cases where victims personal devices are taken as part of the investigation. Read Claire’s response to this consultation.

The CPS’ Pre-Trial Therapy  

The CPS is conducting a public consultation on the draft guidance on pre-trial therapy which  replaces and combines earlier guidance the “Provision of Therapy for Child Witnesses Prior to a Criminal Trial” and the “Provision of Therapy for Vulnerable or Intimidated Adult Witnesses prior to a Criminal Trial”, 2002. This guidance relates to key issues for victims, including how and when they can access therapeutic services while there is an ongoing investigation, or ahead of a trial date. Read Claire’s response to this consultation. 

The Independent Press Standards Organisation  

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is the independent regulator for the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK. They are currently reviewing the Editor’s Code of Practice, which sets out the rules that newspapers and magazines regulated by IPSO have agreed to follow. Read Claire’s response to this consultation.

Bail, Sentencing & Release Policy (parole consultation)

In October 2020 the Government launched a root-and-branch review of the parole system in England and Wales to help improve public trust and victim confidence. Read Claire's response to this review. 

Justice Committee - S.28 Pre-Recorded Evidence

Claire's submission to the Justice Committee’s inquiry into the use of pre-recorded cross-examination (Section 28).

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

The Review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme first took place in 2020, with an additional consultation opened following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Read Claire's response.

Evidence in Sexual Offences Proceedings

Claire's response to the Law Commission's 2023 consultation on Evidence in Sexual Offences Proceedings.

Consultation on Alienating Behaviours

The Family Justice Council held a consultation on its draft guidance on Alienating Behaviours in 2023. Read Claire's response. 

HMCPSI 2024-25 Inspection Programme

Claire's letter to HM Chief Inspector of the CPS giving her views on the Inspectorate's programme for 2024-25.

Law Commission - Criminal Appeals

Claire submitted a joint response to the 2023 Law Commission consultation on Criminal Appeals with Tracey Hanson, founder and CEO of the Josh Hanson Charitable Trust.

Women & Equalities Committee - The Escalation of Violence Against Women and Girls

In November 2023, Claire appeared at the Women & Equalities Committee as part of their Inquiry into the Escalation of Violence Against Women and Girls. Here is her follow-up submission.

Murder Sentencing Consultation

Read Claire's submission to the 2024 Ministry of Justice consultation on murder sentencing.

Open Justice: The Way Forward

Claire's letter to the Ministry of Justice in response to their 2023 Open Justice consultation.

Independent Sentencing Review 2024-25

Claire submitted her response to the Independent Sentencing Review's call for evidence, which was tasked with a comprehensive re-evaluation of the sentencing framework. You can read her response here.

Crime and Policing Bill

Claire has submitted written evidence to inform the Crime and Policing Bill. Read it here.

Victim Care Hubs - Blueprint

• This paper sets out the key principles, benefits, and details of a Victim Care Hub in London.

Rape and the Criminal Justice System: Looking Forward

• Rape has been one of the most underreported and poorly understood crimes in our criminal justice system. Whilst strides have been made to better understand and address the failures facing rape survivors, they still routinely experience unfair and inequitable treatment in our criminal justice system. This paper summarises the London Victims’ Commissioner’s (LVC) work to reform the criminal justice response to rape, the progress made so far, and the progress still needed to ensure access to justice and recovery for survivors of this life-altering crime.

The Court System

• The justice system has fallen into a state of disrepair, following more than a decade of underfunding and mismanagement. This paper sets out London's Victims' Commissioner's assessment of the court system, and makes recommendations for their more efficient and effective operation, benefiting victims in London and nationally. 

Witness Preparation and Pre-Trial Support in London

This paper from the Victims’ Commissioner for London sets out practical recommendations to improve how victims and witnesses are supported before they attend court. It focuses on better preparation for giving evidence, improved courtroom familiarisation, and clearer communication throughout the justice process.