Citizens Advice agrees with Gove that victims should be empowered in courts

Michael Gove's 'One Nation' justice policy that calls for changes to be made to an 'outdated' courts system has been welcomed by Citizens Advice. In a speech given yesterday, the Lord Chancellor said there was a two-tier justice system which was failing the victims of crime.

Gillian Guy, the chief executive of Citizens Advice, said the justice secretary was right to look at improving the experience for victims and witnesses in the courts.

'Victims and witnesses must be supported and empowered by the justice system,' she said.

'Giving evidence in court is, for many people, hugely intimidating. This is made worse if someone has to wait years for a trial, or faces rescheduled court dates and further delays. Making the courts more efficient and more responsive to the needs of victims and witnesses is admirable.

'Video-links and other available technology offer a way to make the experience less daunting, whilst also helping people manage giving evidence around work and caring responsibilities.'

In addition, that the justice secretary recognised that victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence must have a justice system that works for them, Guy said was encouraging.

'Currently, to get legal aid, domestic abuse victims must provide evidence that the abuse took place within the past twenty-four months. These evidence requirements make it impossible for some victims to get legal representation when they go to court to protect their children or separate from their abuser,' she continued.

'There is an opportunity now for the government to look into revising the evidence victims of domestic abuse need to get legal aid so that the requirements no longer arbitrarily leave some without the support they need to get justice.'