§ 37. Dr. IddonTo ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the level of victim satisfaction as set out in the recent British crime survey. [146813]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralPublic confidence in the criminal justice system is vital if the system is to operate effectively. The 2000 British Crime Survey sought to measure the existing level of public confidence so as to provide a base line against which to set targets for improvement. The survey produced disappointing results: although the majority of people are confident that the criminal justice system respects the rights of defendants, only a quarter are confident the system meets the needs of victims of crime.
The Government are committed to improving the level of service provided to victims and are confident that new legislation and new initiatives will do much to increase levels of victim satisfaction. These measures include provisions in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, the introduction of the Witness Service at all criminal courts, the introduction of victim personal statements and the CPS initiative to inform victims of decisions relating to their case.