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London’s Victims’ Commissioner

@ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social
242 followers 167 following 48 posts

London's Victims' Commissioner - Andrea Simon - addresses barriers to justice and support to help improve victims' experiences. In emergency call 999 & non-emergency call 101.

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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
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...
standard.co.uk
'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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
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...
london.gov.uk
London's Victims' Commissioner responds to the Sentencing Bill
London's Victims' Commissioner provides her reaction to the Sentencing Bill being laid in Parliament.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
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...
standard.co.uk
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
🚨 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...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
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...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
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...
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Reposted by London’s Victims’ Commissioner
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) @sbsisters.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
‪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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
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-...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
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 ⬇️
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
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...
observer.co.uk
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
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Reposted by London’s Victims’ Commissioner
Lucy Rigby MP @lucyrigby.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
The new Victims’ Right to Review scheme pilot will empower victims & put more offenders behind bars.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
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
asbhelp.co.uk
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
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.
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Reposted by London’s Victims’ Commissioner
respectuk.bsky.social @respectuk.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
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.
Photo of members of the APPG at the meeting yesterday. Stood up against the wall behind the table.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
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 ⬇️
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
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 ⬇️
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
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...
standard.co.uk
Crime victims 'have less rights than offenders in courts system'
Claire Waxman is calling for government changes to improve victims’ rights
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
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
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
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.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
After almost 5 years since the CICA consultation began, the Government has published its response. Sadly, their decision to maintain the status quo will come as a blow to victims who struggle to access compensation to help their recovery. My statement 👇 www.gov.uk/government/c...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
The rollout of this pilot is a positive step towards a more transparent justice process for victims and families. Having recently observed a parole hearing, I saw first hand how difficult and traumatising it can be, and so access to good support will be crucial. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Victims attend parole hearings to see offenders held to account
Victims can attend the parole hearings of their perpetrators from today (1 April) as part of the Government's Plan for Change.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
New research shows multi-agency conferences are vital for protecting domestic abuse victims. But they must be improved – with a shared approach to identifying risk developed across agencies. Victims' voices must be integral to any reform. @safelives.bsky.social safelives.org.uk/research-pol...
safelives.org.uk
Managing risk of serious harm from domestic abuse in London
Learn how SafeLives is working to improve how London manages the risk of serious harm from domestic abuse.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Unregulated ‘expert’ was ‘pivotal in the decisions to remove 11 children from 6 mothers, who she said had alienated them from their fathers’. In 2 cases, ‘court found that the father had engaged in coercive & controlling behaviour and/or domestic abuse’ www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
thebureauinvestigates.com
How Melanie Gill became a ‘leading authority’ on parental alienation
Unregulated psychologist’s rise from little-known music promoter to court-appointed expert in a dubious pseudoscience
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
I very much welcome this progress, as I first called for unregulated ‘experts’ to be banned from the family courts five years ago. However, leaving a loophole that enables bogus ‘experts’ to still be appointed must definitely be removed t.co/8dhE2jbT9E @hansummers.bsky.social
t.co
https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-03-22/family-courts-proposed-rules-unregulated-experts
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Earlier this week I joined @simonkc.bsky.social and @k80bex.bsky.social for the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Criminal Justice Matters podcast. We discuss if offenders should be compelled to attend sentencing hearings and face the families, or face consequences open.spotify.com/episode/10Ey...
open.spotify.com
Should Offenders Be Compelled to Attend Sentencing?
Criminal Justice Matters · Episode
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Today I heard from survivors about the lifeline services they receive from the Mayor’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation programme. With services struggling to meet demand, I hope this new funding will help many more survivors to rebuild their lives. london.gov.uk/programmes-str…
london.gov.uk
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Having worked with the families of Sabina Nessa, Jan Mustafa and Zara Aleena on this campaign, the wilful refusal to attend sentencing and listen to families is an injustice that must be addressed. I discussed a number of measures earlier today with @nickferrarilbc.bsky.social
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Victims wait years to get to court only to face an experience that can be deeply re-traumatising. Today the MoJ published their evaluation of allowing victims to pre-record evidence ahead of trial. I’m pleased to see the clear benefits not coming at the expense of justice. www.gov.uk/government/p...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
This evening I attended the @metpoliceuk Victim Voice Forum and watched it in action. These brilliant victims and survivors are using their lived experience and expertise to challenge and support the Met to improve their victim care. Delighted more forums are being created.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Victims are waiting longer for justice and with cuts to victim services, many are struggling to stay in the justice process. If you’re a victim, or work with victims who reported in London and decided to withdraw, please complete my survey this week ⬇️
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
My London Stalking Review called for Stalking Protection Orders to be issued on conviction or acquittal, as they can protect victims but also place requirements on perpetrators to tackle their offending. Great to see this included in Govt’s Crime Bill.
t.co
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr5269qn5jvo
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
I have long called for fast-tracking rape cases, & the cases of vulnerable victims. If justice is to be done & the public kept safe from dangerous offenders, we need victims to stay engaged & that means cases coming to court as quickly as possible.
t.co
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/feb/23/uk-victims-are-waiting-too-long-for-court-cases-say-top-lawyers
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Today I'm launching a survey to support research I'm doing with MOPAC on when and why victims withdraw from the criminal justice system. If you reported to the police but then decided (or felt pushed) to drop out / disengage, have your voice heard 👇 londonvoice.org.uk/victimattrition
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
These DIY swab kits for students are unlikely to be legally admissible in court. Victims should be advised to access a Sexual Assault Referral centre ( SARC). Enough could do something else really positive in this space. But let’s bin the DIY swabs.
t.co
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/16/diy-swab-kits-scheme-campus-rape
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This is a great podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about how our criminal justice system works. Pleased to hear defence barrister @joannahs.bsky.social has included the experience of victims throughout. Well worth a listen ⬇️
t.co
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00282hb/episodes/player
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
The cap on sitting days is having a real impact on victims, with courtrooms closed, trials delayed, and listings going into 2028. As we await court reforms, I urge Govt to remove the cap to allow courts to sit, & justice to be done. Victims deserve no less www.thetimes.com/uk/law/artic...
thetimes.com
Isleworth courts close as case backlog hits record high
The cases, the chatter, the chaos: what’s really going on in the law
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Today's decision is a huge blow to trust and confidence in policing. The Metropolitan Police need the power to remove officers who pose a risk to their colleagues and the public. For Government to halve violence against women and girls, there is no place for predators in policing. My response ⬇️
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Great to spend the day with the Crown Prosecution Service Pan London RASSO Unit and hear about the positive work underway to improve their response to rape victims. Frustrating that court delays and struggles with section 28 are hampering progress. Govt court reforms must address these issues.
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Today marks the International Day of #ZeroToleranceForFGM We must end this deeply harmful and dangerous practice that is a violation of human rights of girls & women. Help and support is available: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c7e9d...
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
The Mayor @london.gov.uk next Police and Crime Plan will help drive much-needed improvements in the criminal justice system and improve the support to victims in London. There is one week to go to share your thoughts. Don’t miss out ⬇️ www.london.gov.uk/talk-london/...
london.gov.uk
Survey | Police and Crime Plan consultation
Answer our questions on policing and community safety in London. You will help inform the Police and Crime Plan, due to be published by the end of March 2025.
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