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Victims are poor relation in criminal justice system - says Commissioner 27/07/2010
The woman appointed by the Government to protect the interests of victims and witnesses of criminal acts has claimed that such people are often treated as an afterthought by the criminal justice system.
Louise Casey, Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, told BBC Breakfast, "Victims are the poor relation overall in the criminal justice system.
"Victims of crime … need much more support so we can get them into court and we can prosecute … very dangerous criminals.
"(Victims) are important because without them we do not hear about those that commit crime.
"It's great that lots of people are contacted and lots of people are asked if they want help … (and that) 82% say they do not want any help.
"(But) many victims and many bereaved families out there … actually do not get a good enough service from the criminal justice system, and … we must make sure we help those people better.
"(For example), the victim impact statement is at one level a wonderful thing, but there's no guarantee made to the victims (that it will be read out) … so it's this 'maybe' system.
"You might be offered help by the police if you're a victim of crime, you might get a phone call from somebody, you might actually be asked if you want to be shown around the courtroom … (but) nothing is guaranteed."
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