Menu
06/07/2011
New Law Presented For Bereaved Families
The Victims' Commissioner, Louise Casey, will today call for a new law which will put into statute rights for families bereaved by homicide.
The move follows a six-month review by Ms Casey, into the treatment of families who have suffered the ultimate loss at the hands of criminals, but who often don't get the support, care or consideration they deserve.
Ms Casey's report, which includes the largest ever survey of bereaved families, calls for a law which will set out rights that the criminal justice system should afford families as well as the practical help and support they should receive.
The Victims' Commissioner said: “I have met many families who have had loved ones murdered and they talk about how the legal process was almost as traumatic as the crime itself. This can't be right. We ask people not to go out and take the law into their own hands. We ask that people come to court and give evidence so that nasty people can be locked up. In return, the criminal justice system needs to do better.”
Ms Casey continued: “Families deserve to bury the body of their child without defence lawyers asking for autopsy after autopsy. They deserve not to have to sit next to the defendant's family in court listening to them laughing, or being intimidated by them. They deserve to be told that their husband's killer is going to be released before they bump into him in a supermarket. They deserve to be treated with some humanity in the witness box.
“Bereaved families have few rights, no real route of complaint, they are often given little information and sometimes treated as an inconvenience in a legal game. Now is the time for something concrete to be set out in law - promises are no longer good enough. The system must be levelled up so victims and bereaved families are no longer seen as bystanders or an inconvenience as the wheels of justice turn.”
The support package should include a dedicated homicide caseworker offering help and advice on issues like housing and child care proceedings.
There should be access to trauma and bereavement counselling from approved providers and a national network of peer support groups should be available to provide befriending and support for families.
Ms Casey has also called for a national protocol governing the police's review of cases which remain unresolved including how regularly they are reviewed and mandatory communication with the families concerned.
Recommendations in Ms Casey's report were informed by the largest survey of bereaved families ever undertaken. More than 400 families were contacted to inform her review and reveal the true toll of bereavement on families.
The report will be presented to the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke.
(BMcN)
The move follows a six-month review by Ms Casey, into the treatment of families who have suffered the ultimate loss at the hands of criminals, but who often don't get the support, care or consideration they deserve.
Ms Casey's report, which includes the largest ever survey of bereaved families, calls for a law which will set out rights that the criminal justice system should afford families as well as the practical help and support they should receive.
The Victims' Commissioner said: “I have met many families who have had loved ones murdered and they talk about how the legal process was almost as traumatic as the crime itself. This can't be right. We ask people not to go out and take the law into their own hands. We ask that people come to court and give evidence so that nasty people can be locked up. In return, the criminal justice system needs to do better.”
Ms Casey continued: “Families deserve to bury the body of their child without defence lawyers asking for autopsy after autopsy. They deserve not to have to sit next to the defendant's family in court listening to them laughing, or being intimidated by them. They deserve to be told that their husband's killer is going to be released before they bump into him in a supermarket. They deserve to be treated with some humanity in the witness box.
“Bereaved families have few rights, no real route of complaint, they are often given little information and sometimes treated as an inconvenience in a legal game. Now is the time for something concrete to be set out in law - promises are no longer good enough. The system must be levelled up so victims and bereaved families are no longer seen as bystanders or an inconvenience as the wheels of justice turn.”
The support package should include a dedicated homicide caseworker offering help and advice on issues like housing and child care proceedings.
There should be access to trauma and bereavement counselling from approved providers and a national network of peer support groups should be available to provide befriending and support for families.
Ms Casey has also called for a national protocol governing the police's review of cases which remain unresolved including how regularly they are reviewed and mandatory communication with the families concerned.
Recommendations in Ms Casey's report were informed by the largest survey of bereaved families ever undertaken. More than 400 families were contacted to inform her review and reveal the true toll of bereavement on families.
The report will be presented to the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2011
Costs Highlighted For Families In Crime Aftermath
Families who have lost loved ones due to crime are facing costs of £37,000 on average as they struggle to pick up the pieces, according to the latest survey.
Costs Highlighted For Families In Crime Aftermath
Families who have lost loved ones due to crime are facing costs of £37,000 on average as they struggle to pick up the pieces, according to the latest survey.
08 February 2010
Bereaved Police Families Supported
Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are to get financial support through a new government-funded scheme, it was announced today. The Police Survivor Support Scheme will see up to £20,000 given to families left struggling financially after officers have been killed while keeping the streets of the country safe.
Bereaved Police Families Supported
Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are to get financial support through a new government-funded scheme, it was announced today. The Police Survivor Support Scheme will see up to £20,000 given to families left struggling financially after officers have been killed while keeping the streets of the country safe.
29 July 2015
Prisoner Transport Vans To Be Fitted With Cameras
All Metropolitan Police prisoner transfer vans are to be fitted with cameras in an effort to improve transparency and public confidence. Almost all of the force's current fleet of transport vehicles have been kitted out with five cameras, three microphones and two monitors.
Prisoner Transport Vans To Be Fitted With Cameras
All Metropolitan Police prisoner transfer vans are to be fitted with cameras in an effort to improve transparency and public confidence. Almost all of the force's current fleet of transport vehicles have been kitted out with five cameras, three microphones and two monitors.
01 June 2015
Independent Report Into Infant Cremations Published
An independent report into infant cremations at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury has been published today, Monday. The independent inquiry was commissioned by Shropshire Council at the request of bereaved families to look into cases where no ashes were returned to families following the cremation of a baby or unborn child at Emstrey Crematorium.
Independent Report Into Infant Cremations Published
An independent report into infant cremations at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury has been published today, Monday. The independent inquiry was commissioned by Shropshire Council at the request of bereaved families to look into cases where no ashes were returned to families following the cremation of a baby or unborn child at Emstrey Crematorium.
10 September 2012
£1.5m Investment Into Suicide Prevention Research
The government has announced an investment of £1.5m to explore how to prevent suicides among those most at risk of taking their own lives.
£1.5m Investment Into Suicide Prevention Research
The government has announced an investment of £1.5m to explore how to prevent suicides among those most at risk of taking their own lives.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
