Latest news with #VictimsandViolenceAgainstWomenandGirls
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit change to make more people eligible
People who are awarded certain compensations won't have it held against them when trying to get benefits From July 22, a change in the law will allow compensation for miscarriages of justice to be excluded from benefit assessments. These compensations are awarded to people who have been wrongfully convicted and can amount to substantial figures. In the past, such compensation was considered part of a person's savings or income, impacting their eligibility for benefits. For instance, receiving over £16,000 in compensation would automatically rule out eligibility for Universal Credit, regardless if they meet the other qualifying factors. The updated legislation will now ensure that these payouts are disregarded during the assessment process, potentially allowing access to various means-tested benefits, including income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, and Universal Credit. Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, commented: 'Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed. We can't return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims, but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead. 'That's why we're bringing in this milestone legislation, and I encourage anyone who has received a miscarriage of justice compensation payment to come forward, so we can ensure they receive the help they are entitled to.' Those who believe they may be impacted by this alteration but are already receiving means-tested benefits will need to declare a change in circumstances to ensure they're getting the proper amount following this legal change. People who might be affected but aren't currently claiming benefits are urged to verify their benefit eligibility online. In both situations, you'll be required to provide a copy of your compensation award during the application or change of circumstances procedure. Further details about the modification can be found on the website. This benefit law change comes after an uplift to the maximum compensation sum that can be granted to a miscarriage of justice victim. This now stands at a ceiling of £1.3million for those who have been wrongfully jailed for over ten years. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, declared: 'Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. 'Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected. We can't turn back the clock, but I hope these changes go some way in making the future brighter than the past for those who have already lost so much.' Campaigners had been urging for reforms like this, including Andrew Malkinson, as reported by the Independent. Malkinson, who was falsely accused of rape and spent 17 years behind bars before clearing his name, has spoken out about the law changes. The campaigner described the benefit update as "ends a stark injustice" but highlighted that further action is needed, labelling the £1.3 million cap as "insulting". Earlier this month, he told the publication: "I remain determined to challenge the completely unfair cap on compensation for the wrongfully convicted – and the ridiculous requirement that a person in my position be required to prove their innocence a second time to get compensated."
Rhyl Journal
28-04-2025
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales domestic abuse victims to benefit from new order
This comes as the government extends its clampdown on domestic abuse in a bid to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) means that survivors of domestic abuse in North Wales, as well as their friends, families, or support workers, can now apply for these orders in the family court at Caernarfon, Prestatyn, or Wrexham. Police can also apply on their behalf in the magistrates' court for protection against abusers. The DAPOs build on existing police powers, providing stronger protection for victims, including forcing perpetrators to adhere to strict exclusion zones, wearing GPS tags, and attend substance misuse or mental health interventions. These orders cover all types of domestic abuse, including physical, controlling, or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and stalking, and can be issued by all courts. Unlike current schemes, there is no maximum duration for these orders, compared to the 28-day limit of current protection orders. In the year to March 2024, North Wales Police granted 462 Domestic Violence Protection Notices and made more than 350 applications under Clare's Law to help protect victims of domestic abuse. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: "The pilot of DAPOs is already helping a number of victims across England, ending the cycle of abuse, trapping them in their own homes. "I am now pleased to be expanding this to selected areas in my home country of Wales. "Launching initially in North Wales, the rollout will continue to protect even more victims, and this helps to contribute to our Plan for Change." Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said: "Time and time again, victims of domestic abuse tell me their safety has been compromised by a system that fails to protect them properly. "That's why these new domestic abuse protection orders are not paper promises - they are real, practical tools that track abusers through electronic tagging, creating exclusion zones, and mandating attendance at behaviour change programmes." The orders were first launched in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs (Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton), and with the British Transport Police in November 2024, and were rolled out across Cleveland in March. Between November 27 and March 31, more than 100 DAPOs were secured in Greater Manchester alone, with the police dealing with 45 breaches and jail time handed down to some of those who breached the order. Since then, several convictions for breaching an order have taken place, with some perpetrators already serving prison sentences. The maximum sentence for a breach of a DAPO is five years in prison. Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: "The UK Government is working to make our communities safer, and it is vital that we reduce violence against women and girls to achieve this goal. "These new orders provide stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse, simplify their access to help and ensure court powers are more stringent than ever before." Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Cymru-Wales, said: "Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are another vital way for our prosecutors to protect victims of these terrible crimes. "We can ask the court for an order if someone is convicted, or if they are acquitted, and will be looking to prosecute anybody who breaches that order."
North Wales Chronicle
28-04-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales domestic abuse victims to benefit from new order
This comes as the government extends its clampdown on domestic abuse in a bid to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) means that survivors of domestic abuse in North Wales, as well as their friends, families, or support workers, can now apply for these orders in the family court at Caernarfon, Prestatyn, or Wrexham. Police can also apply on their behalf in the magistrates' court for protection against abusers. The DAPOs build on existing police powers, providing stronger protection for victims, including forcing perpetrators to adhere to strict exclusion zones, wearing GPS tags, and attend substance misuse or mental health interventions. These orders cover all types of domestic abuse, including physical, controlling, or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and stalking, and can be issued by all courts. Unlike current schemes, there is no maximum duration for these orders, compared to the 28-day limit of current protection orders. In the year to March 2024, North Wales Police granted 462 Domestic Violence Protection Notices and made more than 350 applications under Clare's Law to help protect victims of domestic abuse. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: "The pilot of DAPOs is already helping a number of victims across England, ending the cycle of abuse, trapping them in their own homes. "I am now pleased to be expanding this to selected areas in my home country of Wales. "Launching initially in North Wales, the rollout will continue to protect even more victims, and this helps to contribute to our Plan for Change." Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said: "Time and time again, victims of domestic abuse tell me their safety has been compromised by a system that fails to protect them properly. "That's why these new domestic abuse protection orders are not paper promises - they are real, practical tools that track abusers through electronic tagging, creating exclusion zones, and mandating attendance at behaviour change programmes." The orders were first launched in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs (Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton), and with the British Transport Police in November 2024, and were rolled out across Cleveland in March. Between November 27 and March 31, more than 100 DAPOs were secured in Greater Manchester alone, with the police dealing with 45 breaches and jail time handed down to some of those who breached the order. Since then, several convictions for breaching an order have taken place, with some perpetrators already serving prison sentences. The maximum sentence for a breach of a DAPO is five years in prison. Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: "The UK Government is working to make our communities safer, and it is vital that we reduce violence against women and girls to achieve this goal. "These new orders provide stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse, simplify their access to help and ensure court powers are more stringent than ever before." Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Cymru-Wales, said: "Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are another vital way for our prosecutors to protect victims of these terrible crimes. "We can ask the court for an order if someone is convicted, or if they are acquitted, and will be looking to prosecute anybody who breaches that order."
Leader Live
28-04-2025
- Leader Live
North Wales domestic abuse victims to benefit from new order
This comes as the government extends its clampdown on domestic abuse in a bid to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) means that survivors of domestic abuse in North Wales, as well as their friends, families, or support workers, can now apply for these orders in the family court at Caernarfon, Prestatyn, or Wrexham. Police can also apply on their behalf in the magistrates' court for protection against abusers. The DAPOs build on existing police powers, providing stronger protection for victims, including forcing perpetrators to adhere to strict exclusion zones, wearing GPS tags, and attend substance misuse or mental health interventions. These orders cover all types of domestic abuse, including physical, controlling, or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and stalking, and can be issued by all courts. Unlike current schemes, there is no maximum duration for these orders, compared to the 28-day limit of current protection orders. In the year to March 2024, North Wales Police granted 462 Domestic Violence Protection Notices and made more than 350 applications under Clare's Law to help protect victims of domestic abuse. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: "The pilot of DAPOs is already helping a number of victims across England, ending the cycle of abuse, trapping them in their own homes. "I am now pleased to be expanding this to selected areas in my home country of Wales. "Launching initially in North Wales, the rollout will continue to protect even more victims, and this helps to contribute to our Plan for Change." Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said: "Time and time again, victims of domestic abuse tell me their safety has been compromised by a system that fails to protect them properly. "That's why these new domestic abuse protection orders are not paper promises - they are real, practical tools that track abusers through electronic tagging, creating exclusion zones, and mandating attendance at behaviour change programmes." The orders were first launched in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs (Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton), and with the British Transport Police in November 2024, and were rolled out across Cleveland in March. Between November 27 and March 31, more than 100 DAPOs were secured in Greater Manchester alone, with the police dealing with 45 breaches and jail time handed down to some of those who breached the order. Since then, several convictions for breaching an order have taken place, with some perpetrators already serving prison sentences. The maximum sentence for a breach of a DAPO is five years in prison. Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: "The UK Government is working to make our communities safer, and it is vital that we reduce violence against women and girls to achieve this goal. "These new orders provide stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse, simplify their access to help and ensure court powers are more stringent than ever before." Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Cymru-Wales, said: "Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are another vital way for our prosecutors to protect victims of these terrible crimes. "We can ask the court for an order if someone is convicted, or if they are acquitted, and will be looking to prosecute anybody who breaches that order."
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Victims will be able to attend offenders' parole hearings
A scheme that saw victims of crime in Greater Manchester get to go to criminals' parole hearings is to be rolled out across England and Wales. It will mean they will be able to see offenders held accountable for their crimes, their subsequent behaviour in prison and their work to prove they can live law-abiding lives if released. A victim who attended a parole hearing as part of the pilot said it was a "surprisingly positive process" and helped her "move on". Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls Alex Davies-Jones said victims had been "locked out" of the system for too long. Victims who are part of the Victim Contact Scheme can apply to the Parole Board to attend hearings and if successful they will be able to observe remotely so they do not have to sit with the perpetrator. They will be supported during the hearing and given counselling if they need it. A victim known as Anna said going to the hearing helped clear up unanswered questions she had. "It has helped us to draw a line under the whole chapter and move on," she said. "Witnessing the level of care taken by the Parole Board instilled in me genuine confidence regarding how the offender will be managed upon release." Victims' commissioner Baroness Newlove of Warrington said: "This is a vital step towards lifting the lid on a system that has long felt closed off to victims, helping them feel more meaningfully involved rather than bystanders to proceedings." The latest reform to the Parole Board process will follow new measures to be brought in later this year to introduce a ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders. The changes will also allow them to refer certain cases directly to the High Court for a second check. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Sarah Everard's family calls for harsher sentences Victim-support cut to be devastating, charity says Probation services criticised amid safety fears Probation services return to public control Probation Service Parole Board Ministry of Justice
