The evaluation

A total of 519 eligible cases were identified across the three regions between April 2022 and June 2023. Of these, 61 per cent were completed within the target time of 15 days from the offender being sentenced to contact being made with the victim. The main cause of the delay was the time taken for the police Witness Care Units (WCUs) to refer victim information to the Probation Victim Liaison Units (VLUs), however, this is impacted by the timeliness and quality of sentencing information the WCUs receive from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Courts.

Almost two thirds (63%) of these 519 cases were for breaches of a protection order and therefore involved repeat victims and repeat offenders. This is a crucial factor when considering the wider context and nature of the offending, the impact on victims/survivors, and the implications for practitioners when supporting them.

Practitioner experiences

• Timely and accurate sentencing information is an essential starting point for the VNS process if target dates are to be achieved. Not all practitioners have access to the same digital systems, resulting in patchy, inconsistent and inaccurate information. For example, WCUs and Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) do not have access to magistrates’ and Crown Court digital systems, which limits the availability of essential information.
• To implement the VNS effectively, cases must be responded to as a priority, information gathered quickly and initial contact with the victim made as soon as possible. The time available to perform the tasks is limited, adding to the intensity of the work. Delays impacting the ability of practitioners to meet the targets are caused by both internal and external factors.
• VLOs commented on the high take up rates for the VNS compared to the VCS. Due to the repeated nature of the offences and the high risk of further harm, victims want information about the release date and licence conditions to help them make plans for their own safety and protection.

Victim/Survivor experiences

• The majority of victims were repeat victims and had been through the criminal justice process before. Many reported that previously they had received no information about the release of the offender and felt relieved to be contacted by a VLO to be given information about the offender’s release date and licence conditions.
• Many victims mentioned the VLO being kind, supportive and accessible. Of particular importance was the VLO demonstrating an understanding of the nature and impact of the offences.
• Evidence indicates victims want timely and accurate information from reliable sources, preferably one. Multiple sources often provide information that, whilst unintentional, can be confusing and conflicting.
• Limitations around what information the VLO can provide caused victims further anxiety and concern. Whilst VLOs can provide the intended week of release, they cannot state the actual date until the day of release, unless there is an overriding public protection reason to do so. As with the VCS, they also cannot tell victims what help offenders are receiving, although this can act to reassure victims that an offender is getting the support they need and may help to reduce reoffending and protect the victim from further harm.
• Whilst victims can request an exclusion zone, preventing the offender from entering a specific area where the victim resides, VLOs cannot state which area the offender is living in. Victims and specialist support services say this essentially traps victims in the exclusion zone, by not knowing where else is safe to travel or which areas to avoid.
• Whilst victims value the information and support provided by the VNS, they can be frustrated by having to chase for information and the provision of inaccurate and/or conflicting information. Victims also reported confusion at barriers that prevent them from being given information they state they need to keep themselves safe.

Conclusion

• Practitioners overwhelmingly agree that the VNS provides an essential service to a vulnerable group of victims at risk of further harm. Whilst the work involved can be fast paced and intense, practitioners acknowledge the benefits for victims and the necessity of the information and support required. However, their ability to do this would be improved by more effective communication and information sharing within and between agencies. This was viewed as particularly important for the VNS due to the short timescales for contacting victims.
• Providing information about the sentence, release dates and conditions has been broadly welcomed by victims, as has the support and reassurance provided by VLOs. However, lack of timely and accurate information still causes frustration and dissatisfaction.
• The wider evidence presented by victim/survivors in this research indicates dissatisfaction with a criminal justice process that they believe places an emphasis upon victims to protect themselves. The performance data shows that protection orders are frequently breached, creating a repeated cycle of offending and short sentences.
• Victims feel they are required to make everyday choices based on anticipated risks, changing their lives and routines in order to accommodate the offender. For the vast majority of victims, the VNS has been a positive addition to how they manage these risks.

Recommendations

Specialist support services made a number of important recommendations:

• VLOs should avoid contacting victims using a No Caller ID number. This acts as a trigger for victims experiencing stalking and harassment. As a result, they may not respond, thereby preventing them from engaging with the VNS.
• Improved communication is required between VLOs and local specialist support services. This could be achieved if VLOs identify at the initial case review stage whether an advocate is working with the victim, and then provide their contact details to the advocate.
• Closer partnership working assists victims and improves perceptions that the process and services are joined up. It also prevents victims having to constantly repeat their stories.

Thanks to Mika Baumeister for kind permission to use the header image in this post which was previously published on Unsplash