KEY ISSUES VICTIMS ARE CURRENTLY FACING:

Many victims are being misadvised by police and barristers.

  • They are told that they should not attend their abuser's trial after giving evidence

  • They are told not to attend their abuser’s sentencing hearing

As a result, they do not have access to closure, unless they can afford the expensive fees.

  • Many are not routinely offered a video link to watch the trial remotely

  • They are being charged hundreds or even thousands of pounds to access transcripts

It’s our mission to change this.

By amending the law, developing better policies and updating practices, we can ensure that victims are at the heart of Open Justice.

WE’RE ASKING for THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:

    1. Full transcripts or audio recordings of Crown Court hearings to be provided to victims swiftly upon request, at no cost.

    2. All Crown Court sentencing remarks and/or the Judge’s summary to be provided to victims swiftly upon request

    3. Full transcripts or audio recordings of Crown All Crown Court sentencing remarks to be published in a

    1. Include that victims have the right to attend trial after giving evidence.

    2. Include that victims have the right to attend the sentencing hearing.

    1. Directions given to juries include that a victim attending trial after giving evidence should not impact their judgement.

    2. Training for justice agencies includes education regarding a victim’s right to attend the trial.

    3. Greater provision and awareness of technology to enable virtual attendance of hearings.

    4. For Magistrate Court cases to be recorded.

We are incredibly grateful to have the support and backing of Claire Waxman, London’s Victims Commissioner, who has supported us to advocate for better policy, legislation and practice. Helping to reform our criminal justice system to better serve all victims.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved a change in legislation that all victims can now access their sentencing remarks for free”