Putting victim's first

The government news today that offenders will be forced to pay £50 million each year to help victims of crime is hugely important.  This is on top of the £66 million the government already shares in providing services for victims and witnesses.  Not only will this allow Police and Crime Commissioner's more flexibility in commissioning victim based services it also sends out an important message that puts victims first.  I personally think this is the right step to make and I have pledged that if successful at the election I will ensure that groups such as Victim Support will have a greater say in the local criminal justice system by having a place on Local Criminal Justice Boards and a full time role within the Commissioner's office.  Too often victims and their families are marginalized and are limited to receiving a 15 second TV soundbite on the steps of Crown Court and then forgotten about.  I also want to see a victim's drop in centre located within the Commissioner's office so that victim's of crime and their families can have direct access to the Commissioner.  Too often I believe we concentrate on the needs of offenders at the expense of victim's and their families.  It's not just the impact crime has on an individual at the time of the offence that's important, it's the impact it has on them in the future.  The consequences of such crimes can also have a significant impact on our local economy by reducing peoples confidence in the neighborhoods where they live and work.  So that's why I'm putting the needs of victims and their families at the top of my manifesto.