A government report set out measures contained in the new Criminal Justice Bill designed to 'rebalance' the system in favour of victims and witnesses.

Source: A Better Deal for Victims and Witnesses, Home Office (0870 000 1585)

Links: Report (pdf) | Text of Bill

Date: 2002-Nov

An audit report found that the rate at which victims are referred to the Victim Support service varies widely from area to area, and that only a small proportion of victims of unreported crime seek help. The report said more needs to be known about the effectiveness of services in helping victims and witnesses overcome the effects of crime.

Source: Helping Victims and Witnesses: The work of Victim Support, HC 1212 (Session 2001-02), National Audit Office, TSO (0870 600 5522)

Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf) | NAO press release

See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124, paragraph 6.1

Date: 2002-Oct