Stalking victims to be given power of appeal against soft sentences under new Government plans
3 min read
Stalking victims are set to be handed the right to push for harsher sentences for their attackers under new plans proposed by ministers.
New proposals from the Ministry of Justice could see victims of stalking and other sexual crimes given the right to ask for the Attorney General to review their case and hand out tougher sentences.
The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme currently covers serious crimes like sexual assault, rape and murder, but new plans would see the scheme expanded to cover harassment, stalking and the sharing of indecent images.
The proposed shakeup comes as Justice Secretary David Gauke gets set to announce a new Victims Strategy which will give victims of major disasters like the Westminster Bridge terror attacks and Grenfell Tower fire extra support while their claims for compensation travel through the courts.
Mr Gauke said: “This strategy addresses the changing nature of crime, and sets out the support victims should receive at every stage of their journey through the justice system – from providing statements to police, appearing in court of in front of the Parole Board, and every step in between.”
The Ministry of Justice will also seek to overhaul the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme after critics claimed that victims of crime are being denied pay-outs due to time limits or because they had a criminal record.
As part of the new strategy, a controversial block to victims claiming compensation for domestic abuse if they lived in the same home as their abuser will be abolished.
The proposals have the backing of Theresa May, with the Prime Minister saying victims needed to know they were “protected and listened to”.
“Nothing can take away the distress and trauma of being a victim of crime, but ensuring people get the support they need as they rebuild their lives is vital," she said.
“How we support victims is fundamental to a caring society, and in recognition of that we are taking steps to enshrine their rights in law for the very first time.
Mrs May added: “The duty of a government is to keep people safe, but it is not enough to simply bring offenders to court. Victims need to know they are protected and listened to, and we will continue to work with charities and support groups to improve their experience.”
But Labour rounded on the plans, warning that the Government's consultation had failed to go far enough and accusing ministers of ignoring "vulnerable people".
Shadow Justice Minister Gloria de Piero said: "After promising a Victim’s Law over three years ago in their election manifesto and Queen’s Speech programme, the Government have today ensured victims will be forced to wait even longer for the proper support they deserve.
"Instead of protecting victims by immediately enshrining their rights in law, the Government have simply offered more consultations further down the road.
"Once again, victims continue to be an afterthought for this Government who have ignored the needs of vulnerable people across our justice system for too long."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
