A British MP, Christine Gwyther, running for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner, said that says she wants to see support for victims of crime at the heart of the criminal justice system.

There was a worrying trend that people’s confidence in the police went down, not up, after becoming a victim of crime according to victim support organizations.

Helping victims and witnesses of crime when they are at their most vulnerable may result in them being more willing to report crime in the future and to press charges and to give evidence in court cases.

It is in the interest of the police and all other justice agencies to ensure they are open, honest and available to victims of crime to make their experience as positive as possible.

Placing victims of crime at the heart of the criminal justice system is a long overdue political initiative and hopefully something Victoria and Australian politicians will also adopt.

For victims of crime support and advice call 1800 000 055 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au

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