John Healey, the Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, has welcomed plans to give domestic abuse victims a dedicated liaison officer as Crown Prosecution Service support is expanded across England and Wales.
Healey said the changes would help victims stay engaged with their cases and improve communication throughout the prosecution process.
One contact from charge to trial
The enhanced service will provide a consistent contact who can answer questions and keep victims informed from charge to trial, reducing the need to explain their situation repeatedly to unfamiliar staff.
Victims will be able to choose whether they receive updates by telephone, email or post. More frequent communication is also planned for people receiving the CPS’s universal service.
Similar enhanced support already operates for victims of rape and serious sexual violence. The expansion forms part of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Victim Transformation Programme.
Keeping victims at the centre
Healey said poor communication and delays could make the justice system harder to navigate. He argued that supporting people who report abuse must remain central to the Government’s response to violence against women and girls.
