Rebuilding Lives - Supporting Victims of Crime : Cm. 6705

This consultation paper seeks views on proposals to provide more effective support for victims and witnesses of crime by targeting investment in financial, emotional and practical support services and reforming the delivery of support services.

Proposed measures include: new Victim Care Units to provide emotional support for victims including counselling services and practical help such as improving home security measures; a more simplified compensation scheme with increased levels of financial support for the victims of the most serious crimes; and standardised compensation payments for particular injuries to replace the current system of standard payments plus loss of earnings and care costs.

Other issues discussed include the role of the private sector in helping victims of crime; and the conduct of needs assessments for adult and child victims of crimes.