Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation from the Police and Crime Commissioner which gave an overview of the work of the Victims’ Champions, presented by Michael Banks, Crime Champion, Andrea Patterson, ASB Champion and Tonya Pattison, Domestic Abuse Champion (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor D Boyes left the meeting at 12.38pm

The Chair thanked the Victims’ Champions and noted the positive work of the Victims Champions and agreed with the focus on support victims much more so than in previous generations.

Councillor L Hovvels noted that the voice of the child was often not heard, for example in domestic abuse cases, and therefore the work of the Champions was very important. 

Councillor D Nicholls noted the issues highlighted as regards Victims attending court, and the difficulties they faced.  He added he felt it was incomprehensible there was no Majesty’s Inspectorate in respect of courts.  In respect of domestic abuse, he emphasised the importance of listening to the lived experience of those victims, and agreed there was a need to work through the backlog of cases at courts to help those victims to be able to beginning the process of moving on.  M Banks noted that the Deputy PCC had look at the issues with courts and haring cases and explained that too often cases were rescheduled at the last minute, adding to the impact upon victims.  He added there needed to be a top-level investment in the system to be able to tackle the issues, however, all were working locally to do as much as they could.  Councillor D Nicholls thanked the Champions and reiterated there was a need for an Inspector in relation to courts.  M Banks noted that there was support for such an Inspectorate from the PCC as well as the Victims’ Commissioner. 

The PCC noted that the Victim’s journey through the criminal justice system was often long and complex, she added that issues as discussed were being raised by the Victims’ Champions at the national level, giving voice to victims in County Durham and Darlington.  The Chair thanked the PCC, agreeing with the importance of taking those issues raised by victims to that national level.

Councillor K Robson asked who responsible overall in terms of the issues described within the CJS.  The PCC noted that was information that could be brought back to the Panel, with there being many issues that have had local solutions put in place, with other issues requiring intervention at the national level.  The Chair agreed it would be a useful agenda item at a future meeting of the Panel.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.