HC Deb 13 February 1996 vol 271 c518W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines his Department issues concerning police relations with victims of crime from vulnerable groups; and if he will make a statement. [14245]

Mr. Maclean

[holding answer 12 February 1996]: Guidance has been issued to the police on the treatment of a wide range of victims of crime, including victims of sexual offences, child abuse and domestic violence.

The victim's charter, published in 1990, sets some 17 standards for the police to aim for in their treatment of victims of crime. We aim to publish a new victim's charter in April, which will define more clearly the minimum standards of service victims can expect from the police and the other criminal justice agencies.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the initiatives taken by police forces in England and Wales to provide protection for vulnerable victims of crime; and if he will make a statement. [14249]

Mr. Maclean

[holding answer 12 February 1996]: The police give a high priority to the protection and safeguarding of victims, witnesses, and other vulnerable persons. The police research group published a report on witness intimidation in 1994, and the crime committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers has encouraged its members to have regard to the report's recommendations. National performance indicators for the police service require forces to develop strategies for reducing repeat victimisation.