PCC Supports Victims' Commissioner' Survey

The Baroness recently joined the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, to officially launch Connect Gwent - a new multi-agency victims' care hub based in Blackwood which aims to enhance the quality of support and contact with all victims of crime throughout Gwent. Mr Johnston is supporting the survey as part of his continuous commitment to all victims.

Her review will include VPS's made at court and at Parole hearings. This will be the second of her reviews into how criminal justice agencies comply with the Victims' Code. Her first review was into how victims' complaints were handled and this was published in January 2015.

The review will be published in the autumn and is likely to make recommendations for ministers, governments and heads of the criminal justice agencies.

Urging as many people to complete the review, The Baroness Newlove, said: "I have already met with some victims to help me scope my review into the VPS but I want to obtain the views of as many victims as possible before I complete my report. All responses will be treated in the strictest of confidence although I ask if some victims would be happy for my team to contact them if they need additional information or opinion."

She added: "All of the recommendations arising from my complaints review were accepted so I am confident that my review will be an effective lever to secure positive change for victims. It may well be that my recommendations will inform what goes into the Victims' Law."

In support of the survey, Mr Johnston, said: "Since being elected into office, I have actively sought to put victims at the heart of everything we do in Gwent. I fully support The Baroness's vital work in this area as I believe that this part of the criminal justice process has the potential to negatively impact on a victim's recovery. I would strongly encourage organizations and victims to participate in this important survey so that as many opinions and experiences are reflected."

The survey can be found at http://victimscommissioner.org.uk/review/current-review/