Systems Under Scrutiny: The Role of Evidence and Advocacy in Driving Change for Victims
摘要
The Independent Victims’ Commissioner for London champions victims’ voices and highlights areas for change to improve their experience in the criminal justice system. Often, it is the system, not the people, that fails and re-traumatises victims. This chapter reflects on my collaboration with the MOPAC analytic team, whose innovative and robust work has enabled me to drive action at a large scale while bringing colour to the lived experiences of victims. Four case studies are presented: the Victim’s Code of Practice compliance review, The London Rape Reviews of 2019 and 2021, and finally, the 2024 London Stalking Review. Each of these generated stark insights. Using my public platform, I have amplified and worked closely with stakeholders to help implement and deliver much-needed system-wide change. Data has been a critical tool in this work, providing evidence to advocate for reforms and ensuring these practical improvements are delivered across multiple facets of the criminal justice system. Much more can still be achieved for victims, and it is the data that will ensure it will happen.