Current projects
We are here to improve the experience of victims and witnesses through strengthening their voices. We are currently carrying out two major projects to gather the views of victims and witnesses, better understand their experiences in the criminal justice system (CJS) and communicate their knowledge to the wider community. Our current projects are:
Party conferences 2011
With the government preparing to launch its victims' strategy, see some of the highlights from our party conference fringe events.
From restorative justice and the rehabilitation of offenders, to the needs of victims and witnesses, we got an insight into some of the key themes which will be in the upcoming strategy, as well as hearing what Labour’s approach to meeting the needs of victims would be.
Watch highlights from the party conference season
Victim voice
The Victim Voice is a wide-ranging survey designed to increase our understanding on victims' experiences and views on a variety of issues, including:
- impact of being a victim of crime
- victims' support needs and how well they are met
- victims' experiences and views on the criminal justice system
- victims' attitudes towards criminal justice policy issues affecting them (e.g. sentencing, police and crime commissioners)
The survey was conducted by Ipsos Mori using their face-to-face omnibus method in June 2011. Survey interviews were held across England and Wales with 1,134 members of the public who had been a victim of crime in the previous two years.
See some of the findings from Victim Voice survey
Victim2012: understanding the experiences of victims
Victim2012 will highlight the experiences of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and identify ways in which these could be improved. As part of this project, we will be:
- auditing the CJS and exploring victims and witnesses experiences of it
- strengthening the voice and increase visibility of victims to change the debate on victims, and
- improving victims and witnesses’ ability and willingness to access and remain engaged with the CJS by increasing their understanding and confidence in it.
Find out more about the Victim2012 project