Getting it right for victims and witnesses
Author: Great Britain: Ministry of Justice
Publisher: The Stationery Office
Published: 2012-01-30
Total Pages: 100
ISBN-13: 9780101828826
DOWNLOAD EBOOKIn December 2010 the Government published a consultation document, 'Breaking the cycle', which proposed wide-ranging reforms to the way in which offenders are sentenced by the courts and are subsequently dealt with in custody and in the community. The Government response to the consultation was published July 2011 and Parliament is currently considering a package of measures set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. This document builds on themes that the Government first articulated in 'Breaking the cycle', in particular the importance of offenders making a greater contribution to putting right the harm they have done to victims of crime. The reforms set out in the document for consultation are based on the following principles: i) practical and emotional support should be given to those who need it most; ii) victims should receive help as and when they need it; iii) services should meet the different needs of communities across the country; offenders should make reparation for the impact of their crimes.