EVERY victim deserves to be treated with dignity, supported when they need help and to be able to access justice without unnecessary barriers.
As Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset, one of my responsibilities is funding services that help victims cope with and recover from the impact of crime.
Through these organisations, I hear directly about the challenges victims face, from the trauma of abuse itself to navigating a criminal justice system that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Those experiences also inform my national role as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ joint lead for victims, where I work with colleagues across the country to advocate for changes that improve outcomes for victims and survivors.
That is why I recently welcomed two significant national developments, which have the potential to make a real difference.
The first is the rollout of specialist rape and sexual offences courts across England and Wales.
For survivors, this is about far more than court administration.
These courts will prioritise rape and serious sexual offence cases, helping to reduce delays that can leave victims waiting months or even years for their case to be heard.
They will also provide more trauma-informed facilities, including private waiting areas and entrances, improved facilities for pre-recorded evidence and options for victims to observe sentencing remotely.
The aim is simple: to reduce the additional trauma too many survivors experience while pursuing justice, and to create a system that better understands their needs.
The second development is the introduction of a new requirement for courts to formally record when domestic abuse was a factor in offending.
While it may sound like a technical change, it could have a significant impact on victim safety.
Until now, domestic abuse was not consistently recorded when offenders were convicted of other crimes linked to abusive behaviour.
The new arrangements will make it easier for police, prisons and probation services to identify perpetrators, understand patterns of offending and better protect victims.
These reforms are important steps forward, but they must go hand in hand with continued investment in the specialist support services that victims rely on every day.
Whether supporting victims locally through commissioned services or advocating for change nationally, my priority remains the same: ensuring victims are heard, supported and given the best possible chance to rebuild their lives after crime.