NCJ Number
204771
Date Published
January 2004
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This consultation paper examines compensation to victims in Great Britain in order to ensure the most appropriate support package is offered to crime victims.
Abstract
Great Britain’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is one of the most generous victim compensation schemes in Europe. The scheme demonstrates Great Britain’s commitment to compensate and support victims of crime. However, the current compensation scheme, while financially generous, does not allow the state to provide the range of support victims need following a criminal victimization, especially serious, violent, and sexual victimization. In an effort to bring a broader package of support to crime victims, the government will strive to enact a Victims’ Fund in England and Wales to provide the types of social supports currently missing from the victim compensation scheme. A portion of the Fund will be earmarked for the voluntary sector support of victims. Money for the Fund will mainly come from offenders who will have a surcharge imposed on them and from an increase in the use of compensation orders. Another aspect of victim compensation involves workers who are injured on duty. The government intends to work with employers and insurance companies to establish best practices for the compensation of injured employees. Striving toward safer working conditions and providing rehabilitation services for injured employees is also part of the plan to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of victim compensation. The government would also like to improve relations with industry, such as the insurance and alcohol industries, in order to reduce victimization and encourage corporate sponsorship of local crime prevention programs and victims’ support initiatives. Such future objectives that strive for the reduction of victimization and the support of victims and witnesses were outlined at the National Victims and Witnesses Strategy in July 2003. These changes will be proposed through amendments to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, which will hopefully be enacted by Summer 2004. Taken together, these measures to support crime victims will place victims at the heart of the criminal justice system, with a victim-centered approach embraced throughout the justice system. Figures, footnotes, annex