§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to formulate a definition of a crime of violence in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. [146281]
§ Paul GogginsNone. The Scheme has functioned effectively since its inception in 1964 without the need to define what is meant by such terms as 'criminal injury' or 'crime of violence'. Any detailed definition runs the risk of being too prescriptive and excluding borderline cases where discretion might reasonably be exercised. There would also be the risk of failing to include sufficient scope to accommodate changes in the nature of crime, such as deliberately infecting someone with Aids, or stalking. We consider that in its present form the Scheme strikes an appropriate balance between breath of scope and necessary clarification.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to ensure the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme does not deem physical violence to be an essential component of a sexual offence. [146282]
§ Paul GogginsThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme already recognises that physical violence is not an essential component of sexual offences by making provision (at paragraph 9 of the 2001 Scheme) for compensation to be paid where such offences have caused mental injury alone.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme deals with the role of grooming as a tactic of abusers. [146283]
§ Paul GogginsIn considering applications for compensation submitted in respect of alleged abuse of children, claims officers of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority take account of any available evidence of grooming and/or abuse of power when they decide whether an applicant was able to give and actually gave informed consent to what took place.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted on the suitability of trusts as a means for202W victims to retain their eligibility for benefits after a compensation pay-out; and if he will make a statement. [146285]
§ Paul GogginsThe Home Office has conducted no such research, nor is any planned.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will accept the recommendations of Victim Support in their report Insult to Injury. [146286]
§ Paul GogginsWe have issued a consultation paper inviting views on ways in which the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme might be changed to release resources for wider victims' programmes. Victim Support has been consulted about the developing proposals. We will consider their report's recommendations, and any further comments they wish to offer.