Police and Crime Commissioner praises Victims' Commissioner report

16th July 2020

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has praised a report from the Victims' Commissioner Dame Vera Baird that calls for the transformation of victims’ service.

The report calls for the UK Government to seize the ‘once in a life time’ opportunity represented by recent changes to legislation, and new ways of working driven by Covid-19, to transform victims’ services.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “I welcome the excellent report from the Victims' Commissioner Dame Vera Bairdthat has been published this week.


“Dame Verahas shown her commitment to victims and highlights the changes we need to make to the criminal justice system to ensure they receive the best possible service.

“I take her concerns about the outcomes for rape victims very seriously and my office is currently working with Gwent Police to improve services for rape survivors.”

Survivors are asked to complete an anonymous online survey which will help improve criminal justice agencies’ responses to victims of rape. It will also be used to inform a review on the handling of reported rape cases by Gwent Police.

If you would like support to complete this survey contact Gwent Police’s Survivor Engagement Co-Ordinator, Elizabeth Lowther.

Please note: If you, or someone you know, has been raped but it has not yet been reported, you should contact 999 or 101. Alternatively if you would like advice and support contact Cyfannol Women's Aid on 01495 742052, or New Pathways on 01685 379310.