London’s Victims’ Commissioner

As families are reunited and the war in Gaza ends, may this moment begin a true journey toward peace.

Let’s use this #NationalHCAW to commit to peace and unity here too - in our streets, on our campuses, and online. Let’s stand together against hate in all its forms.

'Government must stop stalkers weaponising courts to harass their victims' Claire Waxman OBE has suffered for more than 20 years at the hands of former TV producer Elliot Fogel

Stalkers weaponise courts to force unwanted contact with their victims - wasting valuable court time and preventing recovery. Grateful to CPS for recognising this, but the law must be strengthened to stop stalking by litigation.
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/v...

This landmark law creates a duty on officials to act with transparency and provides equal legal support for bereaved families, a reform I have long called for.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Hillsborough families, it ensures no one suffers injustice after tragedy.

London's Victims' Commissioner responds to the Sentencing Bill London's Victims' Commissioner provides her reaction to the Sentencing Bill being laid in Parliament.

The Sentencing Bill marks a significant moment for justice. While reform is urgently needed to tackle the prison crisis, it should never come at victims' expense. More is needed in these proposals to ensure victims & the public are protected.

My statement: www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/c...

Mother slams 'failing' justice system as daughter's killer spared jail Gogoa Tape killed Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche before driving around with her dead body in the passenger seat of a car

I know how tirelessly Linda fought for justice for her daughter, and I recognise that today’s outcome must feel like a profound injustice - where their needs and rights have felt overlooked. My thoughts are with Linda and all of Kennedi’s loved ones.

www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/h...

🚨 Important to be aware that Government are testing the emergency alert system on 7th September. If you are a victim of domestic abuse with a hidden device, follow the steps to keep yourself safe:
www.gov.uk/alerts/optin...

My recent landmark report revealed why so many victims walk away from the justice system. The findings are stark. Reform is urgent.

We need Government and criminal justice partners to act on the recommendations - victims deserve a better service.

Read my report: www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...

Very positive meeting with Solicitor General
@lucyrigby.bsky.social this morning, discussing the findings of my Victim Attrition Review and progress made with the Victims Right to Review scheme.

We also discussed public understanding of sentencing and increased access to the ULS Scheme.

In my @channel4news.bsky.social interview with @cathynewman.bsky.social I exposed a criminal justice system in crisis and called for urgent reform:

🔹 Victim Care Hubs to help navigate justice
🔹 Bold action to clear the court backlog
🔹 More action from Police to tackle victim withdrawal

My London Victim Attrition Review is a landmark study exposing why so many victims disengage from the justice system.

The findings are stark: the system is failing victims. We cannot accept this status quo. Victims deserve better.

www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...

A new @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social report shows a staggering number of domestic abuse & rape victim-survivors withdraw from the justice system.

We spoke to @sonjajessup.bsky.social at BBC about the disproportionate impact on Black, minoritised & migrant women facing systemic barriers to safety.

‪Tune into @channel4news.bsky.social at 7pm tonight for a first look at my London Victim Attrition Review, out tomorrow.

It reveals why so many victims are forced to walk away from the justice system— leaving offenders free to act with impunity.

Urgent reform is needed.

Last week, I met Prime Minister Keir Starmer alongside the families of Zara Aleena, Sabina Nessa & Jan Mustafa.

These brave women held the PM to account on ending violence against women. Farah Naz said he gave her ‘hope of real change for the first time’ ⬇️ www.independent.co.uk/voices/zara-...

With trials in London delayed until 2029 and victims left in limbo, the Leveson review of criminal courts is a clear call to action. These reforms are urgent. Govt must act now to ease the backlog and ensure swifter justice for victims. My statement ⬇️

I accompanied the inspiring Farah Naz, Jebina Islam, and Ayse Hussein to meet the Prime Minister and discuss their tireless work that helped change the law—ensuring offenders are compelled to attend sentencing.

A privilege to support them on this campaign.

Right to jury trial faces axe as courts try to clear backlog Plans for less serious cases to be heard by judge and magistrates to speed up delivery of justice for victims

I welcome Sir Brian Leveson’s reforms—I proposed this a few years ago because of the devastating impact court delays have on victims. It will, in time, deliver swifter justice.

But with cases listing into 2029, we need emergency plan to tackle the crisis now.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

The new Victims’ Right to Review scheme pilot will empower victims & put more offenders behind bars.

Victims must know when their personal data is being requested. I’ve called for the Victims' Code to be updated to ensure victims are informed and consulted before sensitive info is shared.

My response to Govt consultation on Victim Info Requests ⬇️

tinyurl.com/462mbn8k

Victims Hub | ASB HELP Victims Hub is a safe space. Learn about what constitutes anti-social behaviour (ASB), what your rights are & what you can do to address ASB

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can devastate lives. Without a strong coordinated response and access to victim support, it can escalate into lasting, traumatic harm. Everyone deserves to feel safe.

Find support here: asbhelp.co.uk/victims-hub/

#ASBAwarenessWeek

Great to see this new Met Police forensic technology that improves detection of bruising across all skin tones.

I’ve long called for action to tackle the inequalities faced by Black and ethnic minority victims of abuse — all victims deserve equal access to justice.

Photo of members of the APPG at the meeting yesterday. Stood up against the wall behind the table.

We held an open All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse meeting yesterday, chaired by @jessasatomp.bsky.social, with a focus on stalking.

And the brave, inspiring families I have worked with on compelling offenders to attend sentencing, have an important moment in Parliament. In the name of Sabina, Zara, Jan and Olivia ❤️

What a busy week this has been. A win for our Open Justice campaign, as Govt confirms they will continue to offer rape victims free sentencing transcripts 1/2 ⬇️

Great first meeting with Clair Kelland who starts in her new role as Commander for Public Protection. We discussed issues of police requests for third party material & concern over delays to charging decisions. Look forward to working together to drive improvements.

Govt has inherited multiple crises in our criminal justice system, and I welcome the total £4.7 billion they are investing in expanding the prison estate. However, I am concerned that the measures on recalling prisoners may come at the expense of victims’ and public safety ⬇️

Great opportunity to hear from @thesurvivorstrust.bsky.social London members. We discussed issues victims face in criminal & family courts, & the threat many small organisations face through lack of funding. I hope the Spending Review recognises the lifesaving support these vital orgs provide

In my work, I meet many victims, survivors and families, and my team and I often support them to connect with others and channel their pain and trauma into a powerful fight for change. What a privilege it has been to help Farah Naz, Jebina Islam and Ayse Hussein do exactly that.

Crime victims 'have less rights than offenders in courts system' Claire Waxman is calling for government changes to improve victims’ rights

Victims and families have just 28 days to appeal a sentence under the ULS scheme but prolific offenders can appeal 182 days out of time. I am calling on this Government to urgently address this imbalance of rights. #NSAW

www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/c...

It is National Stalking Awareness week. This year’s focus is the health response to stalking victims, and a call on NHS to develop guidance and training, to ensure they are responding appropriately to stalking victims ⬇️ #NSAW2025

It was a pleasure to be on the opening panel at @thetimes.com Crime & Justice Summit today, discussing why a Victim Care Hub - navigating victims through their justice journey - is such a vital recommendation, not just for victims, but for an effective justice system.