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2003-04 (227)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to meet locally elected representatives to discuss the problems facing victims of terrorism.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to meet locally elected representatives to discuss the problems facing victims of terrorism.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to meet locally elected representatives to discuss
the problems facing victims of terrorism. [197022]
Angela Smith: I have been consulting with victims and survivors and their representative groups and have recently issued to them a
summary of the views I gathered. My next step will be to draw up proposals for improvements in the arrangements for the planning,
co- ordination and delivery of the services provided to victims to help address the problems they face. At the appropriate time I
will consult with the locally elected representatives.
During this consultation process, many views were expressed to me on the matter of dealing with the past. These views, which I
shared with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will help inform the work he is doing in this area.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Terrorism; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
426 c1774W;426 c1778W; 197022
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support is available for victims in sex abuse cases after they give their testimony; and what percentage of victims make use of this support. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support is available for victims in sex abuse cases after they give their testimony; and what percentage of victims make use of this support. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is available for victims in sex abuse cases
after they give their testimony; and what percentage of victims make use of this support. [195483]
Paul Goggins: There are a number of specialist groups providing support and other services to victims of sexual offending. We are
providing £4 million over two years to support the development of such services. This will include increasing the number of
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and developing a range of complimentary services to address short and longer- term
individual need--many of which are provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Information about the funding can be
viewed on the Government funding web site.
Victim Support is a national organisation that provides support to victims and witnesses of crime, including victims of sexual
offending. This year Victim Support have been offered £30 million grant-in-aid funding from the Home Office to enable them to
provide this support.
If a victim of a sexual offence gives their express consent then the police will refer their details to Victim Support. The British
Crime Survey and Victim Support data indicates that in 2003-04, approximately 31 per cent. of victims of reported sexual
offences were referred to Victim Support.
Subjects
Evidence; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
195483; 426 c2094-5W;426 c2100-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what treatment and support is available for child victims of physical abuse; and what percentage of known victims made use of this help, in each of the last five years. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what treatment and support is available for child victims of physical abuse; and what percentage of known victims made use of this help, in each of the last five years. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Hodge of Barking
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what treatment and support is available for child victims
of physical abuse; and what percentage of known victims made use of this help, in each of the last five years. [195728]
Margaret Hodge: I have been asked to reply.
Local authorities have a statutory duty, under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989, to make inquiries where they have reasonable
cause for concern that a child may need protection. The Government's guidance, "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999), sets
out the inter-agency processes to be followed where there are concerns about a child's welfare.
All referrals and allegations, whatever their origin, must be taken seriously. The main objectives of such inquiries are to
establish the facts about the circumstances giving rise to the concern; decide if there are grounds for concern; identify sources
and level of risk and decide protective or other action in relation to the child and any others.
If, following these inquiries, the child is considered to be at continuing risk of significant harm, a child protection conference
should be convened to decide what future action is needed to safeguard the child and promote his or her welfare, how that action
will be taken forward, and with what intended outcomes. If a child is considered to be at continuing risk of significant harm and
all agencies decide that the child requires a child protection plan, the child's name should be placed on the child protection
register, a key worker should be appointed and a child protection plan drawn up.
Children should be registered under one or more of the categories of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect, according to a
decision by the chair of the child protection conference. Where a child's name is placed on the child protection register, social
services have lead responsibility in providing support and services, together with other agencies, in accordance with the child
protection plan. Provision could include services from social services, health services, education and voluntary agencies according
to the assessed needs of the child and family.
The national health service (NHS) provides physical treatments for physical injuries sustained as a result of abuse. The NHS within
child and adult mental health services (CAMHS) also provides treatment for children who suffer mental health problems and disorders
as a result of abuse.
Information relating to the number of known child victims of physical abuse over each of the last five years is not collected
centrally. We do, however, collect information relating to the number of children named on the child protection register. Statistics
for the last three years are as follows:
Children and young people on child protection registers in England who had been classified under the "physical abuse" category. At
31 March 2002--4,200 children and young people listed. (This compared with an overall total of 25,700 children and young
people on child protection registers at that time.) At 31 March 2003--4,300 children and young people. (This compares with an
overall total of 26,600 children and young people on child protection registers.) At 31 March 2004--4,100 children and young
people. (This compares with an overall total of 26,300 children and young people on child protection registers.)
We are unable to provide statistics from child protection registers in England relating specifically to physical abuse for the last
five years as, prior to 2002, local authorities were asked for data relating to physical abuse which was categorised as "neglect,
physical injury and sexual abuse", "neglect and physical injury", "physical injury and sexual abuse" and "physical injury alone".
Subjects
Children; Abuse; Protection; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes; Department for Education and Skills
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
195728; 426 c2095-6W;426 c2101-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the work of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with regard to her responsibilities for victims and reconciliation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the work of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with regard to her responsibilities for victims and reconciliation.
Asked by
Andrew Rosindell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 November 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Under-Secretary of
State, the hon. Member for Basildon (Angela Smith), with regard to her responsibilities for victims and reconciliation. [196187]
Angela Smith: In my role as Victims' Minister, I aim to put in place a strategy that gives victims and survivors of the troubles
recognition, acknowledgement and, where appropriate, the necessary help and practical support to rebuild their lives. To do this, it
was important that I heard directly from those who have been adversely affected what their needs are.
Over the past year I have been consulting with victims and survivors and their representative groups and have recently issued to
them a summary of the views I gathered. My next step will be to draw up proposals for improvements in the arrangements for the
planning, co- ordination and delivery of the services provided to victims to help address the problems they face.
During this consultation process, many views were expressed to me on the matter of dealing with the past. These views, which I have
shared with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will help inform the work he is doing in this area.
Subjects
Ministerial duties; Northern Ireland; Victims; Victim support schemes; Northern Ireland Office
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
196187; 426 c1763W;426 c1767W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what research has been conducted on the effects sex offences have on victims; and what the findings were. - Including fact that information placed in Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what research has been conducted on the effects sex offences have on victims; and what the findings were. - Including fact that information placed in Library.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted on the effects sex
offences have on victims; and what the findings were. [196647]
Paul Goggins: The 2001 British Crime Survey (BCS) included a self- completion module which looked at both the extent and nature of
sexual victimisation.
Full results from the module are published in Home Office Research Study 276 `Domestic violence, sexual victimisation and stalking:
findings from the British Crime Survey'.
Additionally, Chapter 6 of Home Office Research Study 237 `Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the
problem--findings from the British Crime Survey' provides further information from the 1998 and 2000 BCS on the impact of sexual
victimisation. Copies have been placed in the House Library.
Subjects
Abuse; Sexual offences; Victims; Research
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
196647; 426 c2090W;426 c2096W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the recently recorded increase in violent crime; and what steps he will take to reverse the trend. - Including figures and ref to Home Office website.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the recently recorded increase in violent crime; and what steps he will take to reverse the trend. - Including figures and ref to Home Office website.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 October 2004
For answer on
17 November 2004
Answered on
17 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the reasons for the
recently recorded increase in violent crime; and what steps he will take to reverse the trend. [194863]
Ms Blears: With regard to violent crime, the British Crime Survey (BCS), which is considered to be a more reliable indicator of
trends in violence than recorded crime, showed there were six per cent. fewer violent crimes in the 12 months to June 2004 compared
with the previous year. Over the longer term, the BCS shows that violent crime has fallen by 26 per cent. between 1997 and
2003-04.
It is true that the recorded crime figures recently published showed an increase of 11 per cent. in April-June compared to
the equivalent quarter a year earlier. However, it is important to remember that recorded crime data are affected by changes in
reporting and recording. With regard to reporting, the BCS estimates that the proportion of violent crimes reported to the police
has increased each year since 1999, from 35 per cent. in 1999 to 42 per cent. in 2003-04.
The introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002 led to an increase in the number of violent offences
recorded by the police. An analysis of the impact of NCRS, both nationally and for individual forces, was published in two companion
volumes to "Crime in England and Wales 2002-03". Both volumes are available on the Home Office website. The volume covering the
national picture is available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/rdsolr3103.pdf and the volume covering individual forces is
available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/rdsolr3203.pdf The reports said that the impact for offences of violence
against the person was 23 per cent. in 2002-03 but also said that there was evidence that the effect was continuing and that
there would be a further increase irrespective of any real changes in the level of violent crime.
Data from individual police forces suggests that the data audits following the introduction of the NCRS has encouraged increased
recording, particularly for minor violence.
We are taking many steps to reduce violent crime. We have, for example, taken concerted action against street robbery, focusing on
the highest priority areas. We have increased numbers of police officers to deal with all crime and there are a record level of
police officers in England and Wales. There were nearly 140,000 as at August 2004--an increase of 12,570 since March 1997. There
were also 4,094 police community support officers in August 2004. On 31 March 2004 there were 67,597 police (support) staff
and 10,988 special constables.
Low level thuggery is being tackled by measures to reduce alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour. Almost half of violent
crime is alcohol-related. The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy sets out how we intend to address the problems associated with
alcohol, building on the good practice already developed by the police, local authorities and the drinks industry. This summer some
80 local areas have taken part in a campaign focusing on those who sell alcohol to under 18's, bars and clubs who promote
irresponsible and rowdy behaviour, and drunken yobs who cause violence on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
We are following this up with a programme which will help local areas reduce violent crime and improve partnership working at the
local level. In the first instance the programme will take place in six police force areas who are already delivering solutions to
violent crime; it will begin in November and further areas will join the programme later. We are focusing in the first instance on
those areas with the largest proportion of more serious violence.
Domestic violence and sexual offences, including those against children, are also being tackled. The Domestic Violence, Crime and
Victims Bill is currently going through Parliament and contains a number of measures which will improve protection offered to
victims and sits at the heart of a wide-ranging programme of work. The Sex Offences Act 2003 was implemented on 1 May,
including measures to: prevent grooming both on the internet and elsewhere; strengthen the monitoring of registered sex offenders;
and modernise laws relating to sexual offending.
Crime involving firearms is comparatively rare but is nonetheless a cause for concern and we are taking action against it. There are
new powers including a five year minimum sentence for illegal possession of a firearm and further restrictions on possession and use
of firearms; £1.5 million of confiscated criminals' money is to be put back into the community to tackle gun crime.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Crime prevention; Crimes of violence; Anti-social behaviour; Firearms; Drunkenness; Sexual offences; Victims
Date
17 November 2004
Reference
194863; 426 c1611-2W;426 c1614-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what measures in the New Deal for Victims and Witnesses reduce the adverse effects of crime on victims and witnesses in sex offence cases; how the New Deal for Witnesses and Victims has improved services for victims and witnesses in...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what measures in the New Deal for Victims and Witnesses reduce the adverse effects of crime on victims and witnesses in sex offence cases; how the New Deal for Witnesses and Victims has improved services for victims and witnesses in...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
17 November 2004
Answered on
17 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what measures in the New Deal for Victims and
Witnesses reduce the adverse effects of crime on victims and witnesses in sex offence cases; [196643]
(2) how the New Deal for Witnesses and Victims has improved services for victims and witnesses in sex abuse cases. [196633]
Paul Goggins: We are working jointly with the Department of Health on a range of initiatives to improve services and reduce the
adverse effects of crime on victims and witnesses in cases involving sexual offending. We are doing so through the National
Institute for Mental Health Excellence (NIMHE) Violence and Abuse Programme and as part of our own strategy to support victims of
crime. We have committed an additional £4 million over two years to support the development of a broad range of statutory and
non-statutory services for male and female victims of all forms of sexual crime, including extension of the network of sexual
assault referral centres (SARCs). We are also working alongside the Department of Health on plans to map current service provision
and develop consistent service guidelines for work with this group.
Subjects
Criminal proceedings; Expenditure; Sexual offences; Witnesses; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
17 November 2004
Reference
426 c1605-6W;426 c1608-9W; 196643;196633
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will require offenders who have committed offences of theft or criminal damage and who are required to pay an on-the-spot fine to be registered in such a way as to enable their victims to seek compensation from the...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will require offenders who have committed offences of theft or criminal damage and who are required to pay an on-the-spot fine to be registered in such a way as to enable their victims to seek compensation from the...
Asked by
Andrew Mitchell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 November 2004
For answer on
16 November 2004
Answered on
16 November 2004
Mr. Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will require offenders who have committed offences
of theft or criminal damage and who are required to pay an on-the-spot fine to be registered in such a way as to enable their
victims to seek compensation from the offender. [196114]
Ms Blears: Penalty notices for theft and criminal damage will be targeted at low level offences, normally those committed by first
time offenders. The operational guidance issued to the police advises that the value should not exceed £200 for theft with values
over £100 deemed exceptional, and over £500 for criminal damage with values above £300 deemed exceptional. Where an officer
considers an offence suitable for a fixed penalty notice he is required to consult the victim and advise that this will remove the
possibility of a criminal court awarding a compensation order. However, compensation may still be pursued through the civil courts.
If a victim wished to seek compensation he would be able to cite the issue of a penalty notice for the offence as evidence and the
police would provide details of the offence and offender to facilitate this process.
It is expected that fixed penalty notices will be issued for offences usually involving low values where the victim is likely to
benefit by not having to attend court and give evidence, but can see the offender punished by receiving an on the spot fine of £80.
Subjects
Compensation; Crime; Damage; Criminal injuries compensation; Fixed penalties; Fines; Offenders; Registration; Victims; Theft
Date
16 November 2004
Reference
196114; 426 c1454W;426 c1458W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support he will provide to victims in North Devon following the closure of the Victim Support office in Barnstaple. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support he will provide to victims in North Devon following the closure of the Victim Support office in Barnstaple. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Nick Harvey
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support he will provide to victims in North Devon following
the closure of the Victim Support office in Barnstaple. [193962]
Paul Goggins: The Home Office has provided funding to Victim Support since 1979. Over the last few years this funding has nearly
trebled, from £11.7 million at the start of 1997-98 to £30 million in 2004-05.
The Home Office-Victim Support Grant-in-Aid memorandum sets out the services that Victim Support are expected to deliver to victims
and witnesses. However, decisions regarding the management of these services in Devon are the responsibility of the Victim Support
Devon Board of Trustees.
Subjects
Closures; Devon; Finance; Offices; Victims; Victim support schemes; Barnstaple
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
426 c1144W;426 c1148W; 193962
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidelines have been issued on best practice in interviewing techniques for sex offence victims; what checks are in place to ensure that these techniques are used; and what estimate has been made of the percentage of interviews which deviate...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidelines have been issued on best practice in interviewing techniques for sex offence victims; what checks are in place to ensure that these techniques are used; and what estimate has been made of the percentage of interviews which deviate...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines have been issued on best practice in
interviewing techniques for sex offence victims; what checks are in place to ensure that these techniques are used; and what
estimate has been made of the percentage of interviews which deviate from this standard. [196641]
Paul Goggins: Guidance on interviewing vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, which includes victims of sexual offences, is contained
in "Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, including Children" issued in
January 2002. This guidance became operational in May 2002 when it superseded "Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded
Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings".
While this guidance is advisory and does not constitute a legally enforceable code of conduct, it warns that significant departures
from the guidance may have to be justified in the courts.
It is a responsibility of statutory agencies involved in the interviewing of witnesses in criminal proceedings to ensure that
appropriate techniques are used.
Information about the percentage of interviews which deviate from standard is not held centrally and this information could be
obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Subjects
Children; Criminal proceedings; Interviews; Sexual offences; Victims
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
196641; 426 c1139-40W;426 c1143-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an assessment has been made of how suggestive interviewing, or the use of the recovered memories can lead to false allegations of sex offences against individuals. - Inc ref to 'Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an assessment has been made of how suggestive interviewing, or the use of the recovered memories can lead to false allegations of sex offences against individuals. - Inc ref to 'Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an assessment has been made of how suggestive
interviewing, or the use of the recovered memories can lead to false allegations of sex offences against individuals. [196640]
Paul Goggins: The Home Office has not made a formal assessment of, or conducted research into whether suggestive interviewing or the
use of recovered memories can lead to false allegations of sexual offences.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) National Investigative Interviewing Strategic Steering Group has developed and
delivered a dynamic interview strategy which includes a Practical Guide to Investigative Interviewing 2004. Amongst other things,
this highlights the dangers of suggestive interviewing. The Investigative Interviewing Strategy underpins training on effective
interviewing for police of all levels, including specialist interviewers who are employed in cases involving traumatised victims or
witnesses.
Complementary guidance on interviewing vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, which includes victims of sexual offences, is contained
in "Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, including Children" issued in
January 2002. This guidance became operational in May 2002 when it superseded "Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded
Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings". Achieving Best Evidence contains comprehensive guidance on planning and
conducting interviews with vulnerable or intimidated witnesses and includes sections on style, content and types of questions.
This guidance document was produced as a result of a wider assessment by an interdepartmental working group of the treatment of
vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including the victims of sexual offences, in the criminal justice system. The working group's
findings and recommendations were published in the Speaking Up For Justice report (Home Office, 1998).
Subjects
Children; Criminal proceedings; Interviews; Sexual offences; Witnesses; Victims
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
426 c1139W;426 c1143W; 196640
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of (a) interviewing and (b) therapeutic techniques used with sex offence victims. - Inc refs to 'Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, including Children' and 'Provision of Therapy for...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of (a) interviewing and (b) therapeutic techniques used with sex offence victims. - Inc refs to 'Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, including Children' and 'Provision of Therapy for...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of (a) interviewing
and (b) therapeutic techniques used with sex offence victims. [196646]
Paul Goggins: Guidance on interviewing vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including victims of sexual offences, is contained in
"Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance for Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses, including Children" issued in
January 2002. This guidance became operational in May 2002 when it superseded "Memorandum of Good Practice on Video Recorded
Interviews with Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings".
Guidance on therapy is provided in "Provision of Therapy for Child Witnesses Prior to a Criminal Trial: Practice Guidance" and
"Provision of Therapy for Vulnerable or Intimidated Adult Witnesses Prior to a Criminal Trial: Practice Guidance" issued in 2001 and
2002, respectively. This guidance took effect immediately.
These guidance documents were produced as a result of a wider assessment by an interdepartmental working group into the treatment of
vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including the victims of sexual offences, in the criminal justice system. The working group's
findings and recommendations were published in the Speaking Up For Justice report (Home Office, 1998).
Subjects
Children; Intimidation; Interviews; Sexual offences; Witnesses; Trials; Victims
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
196646; 426 c1142-3W;426 c1146-7W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there are victim advocates to support victims in sex abuse cases. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there are victim advocates to support victims in sex abuse cases. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are victim advocates to support victims in
sex abuse cases. [195485]
Paul Goggins: Victim Support is the main organisation in England and Wales that provides support and practical help to victims and
witnesses of crime, including victims of sexual offending. This year Victim Support has been offered £30 million grant-in-
aid funding from the Home Office to enable them to provide this support.
Victim Support offers free and confidential support regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. Victim Support
can help in dealing with other organisations and provide links to additional sources of help. If a victim attends court then Victim
Support's Witness Service can provide support before, during and after a hearing.
A number of specialist organisations exist to offer support and other services to victims of sexual offending. The Home Office has
allocated an additional £4 million funding over two years to develop services for victims of sexual crime. Part of this
funding will be used to support the development of local services, provided in many cases by the voluntary and community sector.
Subjects
Finance; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
195485; 426 c1145W;426 c1149W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent changes in central funding for (a) survivor organisations and (b) rape and sexual abuse support centres on their ability to continue to provide services. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent changes in central funding for (a) survivor organisations and (b) rape and sexual abuse support centres on their ability to continue to provide services. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Sue Doughty
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent changes
in central funding for (a) survivor organisations and (b) rape and sexual abuse support centres on their ability to
continue to provide services. [191977]
Paul Goggins: We have made no formal assessment but recognise that financial stability for local service providers and survivor
groups is critical to ensuring their ability to deliver services to victims. We are making available £4 million additional
funding over two years as a contribution to the development of services for victims, although we do not believe that central
Government should bear sole responsibility for supporting local service delivery organisations. Local ownership and
support--including financial support-- is vital to ensuring the future of local provision.
Subjects
Finance; Rape; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
426 c1144W;426 c1148W; 191977
House
House of Commons
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how the victims' fund set up by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill will be administered.
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how the victims' fund set up by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill will be administered.
Asked by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mr Battle: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the victims' fund set up by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill will be
administered. [192631]
Paul Goggins: I have been asked to reply.
The Victims' Fund will be funded by a new surcharge on criminal convictions and fixed penalty notices for criminal offences. The
Fund will be used to support new and improved services for victims of crime at both local and national level. Criteria for making
application to the Fund and the arrangements for administering the Fund are still being developed.
Subjects
Fines; Victims Fund
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
426 c1226W;426 c1230W; 192631
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what types of support and therapy are available to victims in sex abuse cases as their case advances through the criminal justice system. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what types of support and therapy are available to victims in sex abuse cases as their case advances through the criminal justice system. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what types of support and therapy are available to victims
in sex abuse cases as their case advances through the criminal justice system. [195484]
Paul Goggins: Victim Support is the main organisation in England and Wales that provides support to victims and witnesses of crime,
including victims of sexual offending. This year Victim Support have been offered £30 million grant-in-aid funding from the
Home Office to enable them to provide this support.
All Victim Support volunteers complete a core training programme. Additional training is provided for those volunteers working with
victims of sexual offending.
A number of specialist organisations exist to offer support and other services to victims of sexual offending. The Home Office has
allocated an additional £4 million funding over two years to develop services for victims of sexual crime. Part of this
funding will be used to support the development of local services, provided in many cases by the voluntary and community sector.
Subjects
Criminal proceedings; Finance; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
195484; 426 c1145W;426 c1149W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of known child sex abuse victims received help from (a) sexual assault referral centres, (b) the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, (c) Family Matters, (d) Lifeline and (e) other victim support groups in each of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of known child sex abuse victims received help from (a) sexual assault referral centres, (b) the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, (c) Family Matters, (d) Lifeline and (e) other victim support groups in each of the...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of known child sex abuse victims received
help from (a) sexual assault referral centres, (b) the National Association for People Abused in Childhood,
(c) Family Matters, (d) Lifeline and (e) other victim support groups in each of the last seven years.
[195727]
Paul Goggins: The Home Office does not routinely collect data on the percentage of known child sex abuse victims receiving help from
these organisations, and has not carried out any specific research on this issue.
Subjects
Children; Abuse; Sexual offences; Victims; Victim support schemes; Lifeline Project; Family Matters; National Association for People Abused in Childhood; Sexual assault referral centres
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
195727; 426 c1145W;426 c1149W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps are being taken to encourage sex offence victims to (a) report their abuse and (b) act as a witness in court. - Inc figures and ref to 'Improving Services for Victims and Witnesses'.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps are being taken to encourage sex offence victims to (a) report their abuse and (b) act as a witness in court. - Inc figures and ref to 'Improving Services for Victims and Witnesses'.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to encourage sex offence
victims to (a) report their abuse and (b) act as a witness in court. [196644]
Paul Goggins: The Government have implemented a range of measures with a view to encouraging sex offence victims to report abuse and
to act as a witness in court.
In 2002, the Government published their Rape Action Plan including steps to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases
and the treatment of victims and witnesses. The intention is that these measures will help to bring more cases to justice, increase
public confidence and consequently encourage victims to report their abuse. Key elements of the RAP include: specialist training of
Sexual Offence Liaison Officers and Rape Victim Chaperones. Specialist rape prosecutors, and rape co-ordinators in each of the 42
CPS areas.
Guidance on special measures such as allowing victims to give their evidence from behind a screen, or on video, helping to sustain
cases which would otherwise stand no chance of getting to court, and encourage victims to act as witnesses.
An important recommendation from the Rape Action Plan is that forces support the development of Sexual Assault Referral Centres
(SARCs)--integrated services where victims of rape and sexual assault can have their various medical, forensic, counselling and
support needs met quickly and sympathetically, in one location, by properly trained staff. A recent evaluation of SARCs (Home Office
Research Study 285: Lovett, J., Regan, L. and Kelly, L. (2004),) reported high levels of victim satisfaction. While victims may use
the services of a SARC without reporting to the police, they are encouraged to do so, and if they do not wish to report immediately,
they are still able to undergo a forensic examination in case they decide to report at a later date.
There are now 13 SARCs across England, with more under development. Over this and the next financial year, a proportion of the
£4 million set aside from the Victims Fund for services to victims of sexual offending will help to extend and strengthen the
SARCs network. Work is also underway to raise awareness about SARCs. If people who have been raped are confident that they will be
treated with respect and dignity, they may be more likely to report to the police.
The remainder of the £4 million will be used to develop voluntary and community sector based services for victims of sexual
offending. The services will be available regardless of whether a victim chooses to report the offence or testify in court but we
hope more victims of sexual crime will have the confidence to report the offences and that more victims can be supported as their
cases go through the criminal justice process.
Vulnerable or intimidated witnesses (VIWs) are being encouraged to testify by the range of special measures available to them under
the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Home Office Research Study 283, "Are special measures working? Evidence from
surveys of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses" (Home Office, June 2004) shows that: Around half of witnesses who did not have the
opportunity to give evidence with the aid of special measures said that they would have found special measures helpful. Witnesses
who used special measures were significantly more confident that the criminal justice system was effective in bringing those who
commit crimes to justice and effective in meeting the needs of victims. 44 per cent. of victims of sexual offences said they
would not have given evidence without special measures.
Additional steps have been taken to ensure that victims and witnesses, more generally, are willing to give evidence in court. In
2003, the National Criminal Justice Board asked each Local Criminal Justice Board to undertake work to increase public confidence in
the Criminal Justice System--one of the key issues being victim and witness satisfaction. This work continues and on Monday
18 October the Office of Criminal Justice Reform published the Victim and Witness Delivery Plan "Improving Services for
Victims and Witnesses", setting out the Government's seven priorities for victims and witnesses.
Local Criminal Justice Boards are also delivering the Criminal Case Management Programme which will ensure that charges are more
appropriately brought, that trials are more effectively managed and that witnesses and victims receive proper care and information.
Increased public confidence and better criminal case management will encourage more victims and witnesses to come forward and give
evidence in court.
Subjects
Criminal proceedings; Courts; Finance; Evidence; Rape; Sexual offences; Witnesses; Victims; Sexual assault referral centres
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
196644; 426 c1140-1W;426 c1144-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what investigations he has made into possible links between adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the victims of rape.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what investigations he has made into possible links between adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the victims of rape.
Asked by
Sue Doughty
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 October 2004
For answer on
15 November 2004
Answered on
15 November 2004
Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations he has made into possible links between adult
survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the victims of rape. [191883]
Subjects
Children; Abuse; Rape; Sexual offences; Victims
Date
15 November 2004
Reference
426 c1133W;426 c1137W; 191883
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of sex abuse victims' satisfaction with their contact with the police. - Including figures and ref to Home Office Research Study 237 Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of sex abuse victims' satisfaction with their contact with the police. - Including figures and ref to Home Office Research Study 237 Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 November 2004
For answer on
11 November 2004
Answered on
11 November 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of sex abuse victims'
satisfaction with their contact with the police. [196635]
Ms Blears: Home Office Research Study 237 "Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem--findings from
the British Crime Survey" reports on the findings of self-completion questionnaires included in the 1998 and 2000 British Crime
Surveys (BCS).
This report showed that about a third of rape victims (32 per cent.) were "very satisfied" with the way in which the police
handled their (most recent) case, and a further quarter (25 per cent.) were "fairly satisfied". However, about a fifth were
"very dissatisfied" (22 per cent.), and 16 per cent. were "a bit dissatisfied". The remaining five per cent. said that
it was too early to say. Table A7.3 in the report has further detail.
Subjects
Abuse; Police; Rape; Standards; Sexual offences; Victims; Surveys
Date
11 November 2004
Reference
196635; 426 c898W;426 c902W
House
House of Commons