Witness Protection

Answer: I agree with my hon. Friend that Victim Support does a superb job. Its funding has more than tripled since 1997, from £11 million to more than £37 million. Some 1.4 million victims and witnesses have been referred to its support service, and it has helped more than 35,000 vulnerable or intimidated witnesses with particular support and tailored assistance. I agree with my hon. Friend that the amount of effort that the criminal justice system puts into recognising the importance of victims and witnesses has changed out of all recognition over the past 10 years. We intend to do more by tailoring support more fully to the needs of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Tuesday, 10 June 2008 by John Robertson (Labour).

Question: Does my hon. Friend agree that groups such as Victim Support do an excellent job in trying to protect people and by giving people, particularly children and the disabled, aid and support? Is it not time to give such groups more funds? We should think about supporting the victim rather than supporting the criminal.

Secondary information