We can’t keep letting victims down, says Crime Commissioner

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the publication of the first review into victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system.

The report,  by Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove, found that victims of crime feel let down and ignored, with some staff showing a lack of empathy and compassion. Many victims also thought the complaints system was daunting and confusing.

Mr Lloyd said: “Giving victims a voice and putting their needs at the centre of the criminal justice process is fundamental. In Greater Manchester we are working hard to bring criminal justice agencies together to improve the victims’ journey and give people confidence in the police and justice system. However, we still have a way to go and feedback from victims on their experiences is vital to this process.

“It’s shocking that some victims feel they have been treated with a lack of empathy, with some frightened to make a complaint. Victims of crime have already faced a traumatic, potentially life-changing ordeal; at the very least they should be treated with kindness and compassion – that is basic human nature.

“I have been working with GMP to overhaul the way it deals with complaints, which historically has been bureaucratic and complex. While there have been improvements there is still some work to do to ensure the complaints process is accountable to the public and that all victims have the confidence to speak out if they’re not happy with the way they are treated.”