‘Put victims at heart of criminal justice policy’ experts tell Labour policy review

Victims are being overlooked by the criminal justice system says a new Fabian Society report. Edited by shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan, the report features contributions from a panel of experts brought together to inform the conclusions of the Labour Party’s policy review.

The report says victims are often treated as bystanders as their cases proceed through the courts, whereas they should be central to the criminal justice process – not only because they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, but also because their co-operation and trust is vital for it to function effectively and bring offenders to justice. Khan writes:

“Victims are too frequently kept in the dark about the details of a trial, access to court papers are often difficult to obtain and complex legal processes difficult to understand, all of which can and should be remedied quickly and at little cost. But when victims report that their encounter with the justice system was more traumatic than their encounter with the perpetrator of the crime against them, it is clear that a more significant shift in attitudes to and treatment of victims is required in the justice system.”

The report includes a chapter by Barry Mizen who, along with his wife Margaret and the rest of their family, set up the Jimmy Mizen Foundation following the murder of their son in May 2008. Other authors include Lord Victor Adebowale, Baroness Jean Corston, Dame Helen Reeves, Professor Julian V Roberts and Matthew Ryder QC.