Victim Support PCC campaign garners support at party conferences
Published: 12 October 2012
- Date:
- 12 October 2012
Javed Khan with PCC candidate for West Mercia, Dr Simon Murphy after he had signed up to Victim Support's pledges at the Labour Party Conference 2012
Victim Support has been getting the attention of police and crime commissioner (PCC) candidates at this year's major political party conferences, which ended this week.
On 15 November, every police force area in England and Wales, except London, will elect a PCC for the first time. Among their many responsibilities, PCCs will be required not only to listen to victims and witnesses but will soon be given the responsibility of buying services to support them.
Javed Khan, Victim Support's Chief Executive attended all three party conferences and hosted discussion events about how PCC candidates should prioritise help for victims and witnesses if they are elected.
Javed also garnered support from the PCC candidates for Victim Support's PCC manifesto, which encourages candidates to publically say they'll put victims first.
In addition Victim Support also hosted or attended a series of fringe events at the conferences, including with partners Make Justice Work, the Prison Reform Trust and the Restorative Justice Council.
Following the party conferences the running total of PCC candidates who have signed up to the Victim Support manifesto is at 108. See the full list of candidates who have signed up so far.
Javed Khan said: "At all three party conferences victims were mentioned regularly by the most high profile crime and justice speakers. This commitment to victims was echoed by the high level of interest and engagement from PCC candidates at our events.
"I now look forward to working closely with successful PCC candidates after the 15 November elections, to ensure victims remain a high priority."
You can see pictures from all three party conferences on Flickr