Calls for more justice for victims

Wednesday 15 July 2020

A local organisation is calling for better protection for victims of local crime, in line with an independent report advising Home Affairs on how to improve the island's justice system.

The report has been published ahead of this week's States debate and will be used to guide the committee in drafting proposals in the next political term.

All the recommendations in the report work towards a new 'Justice View'; to create a society that "contributes positively to the development of an understanding, inclusive and responsible community, where everyone is safe and secure and individuals' rights are protected."

The Bailiwick of Guernsey Victim Support & Witness Service has shown its public support for the report and is asking that the States consider accepting the recommendations.

Pictured: The report will be brought up in the States Assembly this week.

"From our experience over more than 20 years of supporting victims and witnesses, we recognise the importance of the principles behind the vision," a spokesperson for the service said.

"In particular that:

• The future justice framework should shift the emphasis of policy to people rather than process, i.e. to support victims, witnesses and all parties in family breakdowns
• The future justice framework should seek to restore the harm caused to victims of crime using restorative approaches where appropriate"

Among other recommendations, the report suggests that a Sexual Abuse Referral Centre be set up in the island - an idea which has been backed by the Victim Support & Witness Service.

"The lack of such a resource has undoubtedly deterred victims of sexual abuse from reporting incidents," the spokesperson explained. "The creation of such a centre on island would provide important support for victims as they come to terms with the impact of their ideal.

"It is important that all those involved in the support of victims achieve a better understanding of the metal and wellbeing needs of victims and their families at all stages through the reporting and prosecution process and that they are able to access the necessary resources to meet those needs. We do recognise, however, that those needs do not end with the conclusion of the prosecution process. The impact of the trauma on the victims and their families and the need for support many continue for months if not years after the event."

Pictured: The report raised concerns about the number of victims who don't go on to give evidence.

The report also raised concerns about the high number of reported crimes which never reach court because the victim doesn't support action.

"We recognise that it takes considerable courage for many victims to offer themselves to the confrontational challenges that they may face in the court process," the spokesperson added. "As an organisation, we will provide support for all victims, irrespective of whether or not they choose to report an offence or, if having made an initial report, they subsequently withdraw support for further action."

Although the States are not being asked to approve or reject the recommendations in the report yet, it will go before the Assembly this week along with policy letter, asking that Home Affairs consult further before reporting back.

"The new Justice Strategy has been and continues to be a long time in development," the spokesperson said. "We hope that all States Members, present and future, will throw their collective weight behind this report and will, without further delay, adopt the vision and the principles that it sets out as the basis for that long overdue Justice Strategy."

The report can be read in full HERE.