Vulnerable victims are bearing the brunt of unjust government policy, says GM Mayor

As it’s revealed that domestic abuse victims are waiting nearly two years for criminal injuries compensation, Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:
“This is yet another barrier stopping victims and survivors of domestic abuse from rebuilding their lives.

"While it is recognised that the compensation process can be complex and we need to ensure it is thorough, it is inevitably and unacceptably vulnerable victims who are bearing the brunt of delays caused by under-resourcing.

“Time and again we hear how domestic abuse victims are being penalised because of unjust government policy, not least the unhelpful, insensitive legal aid process that requires victims to prove they have suffered abuse – a policy I am currently campaigning to be scrapped.

“I urge the Ministry of Justice to urgently look into these compensation delays and demonstrate the government is genuinely serious about tackling domestic abuse and supporting the vulnerable.”

Mr Lloyd is supporting the ‘Scrap the Fee’ campaign, calling for ministers to abolish the fee some domestic abuse victims are being forced to pay for a doctor’s note. Domestic abuse victims applying for legal aid to have their case heard in court must first prove that they are victims of such abuse. One of the accepted forms of evidence is a letter from a GP, a letter that some GPs charge to provide. Mr Lloyd and 15 other Police and Crime Commissioners have written to Health Minister Jeremy Hunt to abolish the fee, and to Justice Minister Liz Truss to scrap the need for the letter entirely.