On the 9th January, I asked the Justice Secretary what the Government is doing to ensure that both victims and witnesses are supported after a crime has been committed. There is a devastating amount of crime taking place on our streets, and it is important that those who need support are able to receive it.
I’m glad to see that this Conservative Government has edited the 2006 Victims Code to account for the needs of witnesses to crimes.
You can see a full transcrip of mu question and the Justice Secretary's response:
Carshalton and Wallington is supposed to be one of the safest parts of London, but it has been shocked by a number of knife and violent crime incidents recently, including a knife attack in Wallington Sainsbury’s on Christmas eve, which was traumatic not only for those involved but for those who witnessed it. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that victims and witnesses of terrible crimes can get access to help and support while they wait for the police to build a case?
I thank my hon. Friend for drawing the attention of the House to that appalling incident. Yes, it is absolutely imperative that both victims and witnesses can access support in the aftermath of such shocking crimes. As I indicated, we are quadrupling funding for victims and witness support by 2024-25 on 2010 levels. This is important. Under the 2006 victims code that we inherited, support was available only for direct victims. We have changed that, so it is now available for witnesses who have suffered mental or emotional harm.
