After receiving Royal Assent, the Victims and Courts Bill signifies the successful outcome of a prolonged advocacy effort by grieving victims and families seeking change. The newly enacted protections are a result of tireless campaigning and highlight the impact of a justice system that listens to those it is meant to support.
Victims and families often feel marginalized during legal proceedings that significantly impact their lives. The emphasis on procedural aspects in the criminal justice system can create a sense of detachment, leaving them feeling unheard. Particularly during sentencing, when offenders opt not to attend hearings, victims and families finally have a chance to voice their experiences.
The families of Sabina Nessa, Zara Aleena, and Jan Mustafa transformed their immense grief into purposeful activism to ensure that the issue of offenders avoiding sentencing was addressed. Individuals like Jebina Nessa and Cheryl Korbel brought attention to the consequences of non-attendance at sentencing, highlighting the need for change in this area.
Ayse, whose cousin Jan Mustafa was a victim of a 2018 murder, described the emotional ordeal of standing alone in court, expressing her pain to an absent audience. Similarly, Farah, Zara Aleena’s aunt, likened the absence of the offender to a profound betrayal.
Listening to these families recount the additional suffering caused by non-attendance reinforced the commitment to advocate alongside them for reform. The recent legislation requires offenders to attend sentencing hearings, with penalties for non-compliance, such as extended sentences and loss of privileges.
The changes brought about by the Victims and Courts Act were driven by the perseverance and courage of victims and families who refused to be sidelined. The reforms extend to the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme, granting victims and bereaved families more time to challenge sentences they deem inadequate.
The revised scheme allows victims up to six months to request a sentence review, emphasizing justice and fairness. Additionally, a legal duty will be established to inform victims of their rights under the scheme, ensuring they are aware of avenues to contest sentences.
These reforms reflect the core purpose of the Victims’ Commissioner role, which prioritizes utilizing victims’ experiences to enhance legal frameworks. Strengthened powers for the Victims’ Commissioner will enable enhanced oversight of agency responses to victims and ensure effective implementation of reforms.
While the Royal Assent signifies a significant milestone, the true impact of these reforms lies in their consistent and effective implementation. The focus now shifts to the government and justice agencies to deliver on the commitments made and ensure that the reforms are executed diligently.
The success of the Victims and Courts Bill underscores the importance of valuing lived experiences in shaping policies. Moving forward, the government and criminal justice entities must fulfill their obligations and uphold the promises made to victims and their families.
